Footwear support structures

ABSTRACT

Footwear as inserts to shoes or integral parts to shoes is made of rigid form with a sole portion to be placed in compression and an upper portion to flex in tension in response to foot motion and constructed to enable triangulation forces for sustaining a user&#39;s foot in motion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 13/355,622 filed Jan. 23, 2012 and PCT ApplicationSerial No. PCT/US12/54076, filed Sep. 7, 2012, which claim priority fromUS. Application Ser. No. 61/532,382 filed Sep. 8, 2011 and from U.S.Application Ser. No. 61/549,373 filed Oct. 20, 2011.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of footwear andfootwear components. The modern athletic shoe was made possible bytechnological advances, including manufacturing innovations and newmaterials applied to footwear. These innovations in footwear combinedwith the notion of better health through exercise. The jogging trend ofthe 1980's introduced the modern athletic shoe to the consumer. Avariety of color choices made athletic shoes popular fashion choices.Wearing modern athletic shoes, millions of people of all ages are ableto enjoy running, and other athletics for exercise, better health andpain relief.

The two main components of a manufactured shoe are the upper and theshoe sole. The shoe sole and the upper are typically made separately andjoined by glue, and/or stitching and/or the material of the sole.Athletic shoes and running shoes in particular, have suede and/or alightweight leather and cloth upper. The extremes of bodily motionoccurring in sports require an upper portion, typically a fabric, thatis malleable. However, a malleable upper changes its shape and becomesless able to contain the foot in its original position. Dress shoes withleather uppers are less malleable but more so than stiffening componentssuch as box toes or counters or certain stiffening orthotic components.

The most popular athletic shoes are running and basketball shoes. Theyare sold as specific to these sports, but are in common usage for allfootwear purposes. Lateral moves in the game of basketball involve theankles. Basketball shoes generally provide support above the foot due totheir portions that lace above the ankle. Running and basketball shoesare the choice for young and old desiring a more cushioned footstep andankle support respectively.

The foam portion of the running shoe sole provides cushioning, but takesa “compression set.” With repeated pressure the foam material collapsesin a predictable pattern and its ability to cushion greatly diminishes.Over time, the combination of a malleable upper and a deformingcushioned sole decreases the structural integrity of this type offootwear. During walking and running the foot experiences increasedpressure from the weight of the body. As a result, foot discomfort mayoccur. This; may be limited to general foot fatigue but can also lead toother adverse effects. The solution may be athletic shoes with cushionedsoles. However, generalized foot fatigue may become localized resultingin pain in certain areas of the foot. When localized pain occurs, oftenthe first response is to address the condition at its source. The painmay be diminished or overcome by placing foam or other cushioningmaterial under the area of pain and/or under the whole foot. Manproducts are designed for different areas of foot pain and are availableover the counter to consumers. Persistent foot pain may require medicalhelp. A doctor's suggestion may be other than placing a soft cushionunder the painful area, although a cushioning component may be added.Structures and supports of plastic material in the form of footorthotics may be prescribed by a Podiatrist or doctor. They are mostoften added under the foot to be placed inside a shoe to limitdiscomfort.

Configured plastic materials are used in foot orthotics and also shoecounters. Similar plastic materials have been used in other areas ofshoes including the soles of running and sports shoes. When structuredappropriately to the foot and footwear these materials may retain someof the structural integrity missing in athletic shoes with malleableupper portions and foam material soles. Whether configured withstructures to provide components for athletes, those experiencing footdiscomfort and those without foot problems, the flexibility, strengthand longevity of plastic material may lend itself to additionalimprovements to footwear and footwear manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a footwear article construction, in ashoe, boot, sneaker, sandal or the like product in a form integral tosuch product or as an insert for any such product, that differs fromothers of such products or inserts in that the structural featuresdescribed below apply the structural elements of cooperative compressionand tension to manage triangulation of the foot in motion. Thesestructural features utilize, the downward pressure of the foot in motionto deliver its sideways directional force to the structure which isreturned to the foot by reaction forces, thereby providing comfortablefit (of the shoe etc.) as a whole, improved athletic or rigorous walkingperformance and eliminating or minimization of disabling expensiveand/or generalized or local foot discomfort. The sideways directionalforce creates tension in the footwear that provides shock absorption tothe foot in motion. The material of the invention is structurallyengineered with features designed for the absorption of the directedforce to specific areas of the foot. It achieves this process with thestepping action of a footstep.

Compression holds the footwear in position. The footwear in turn,sustains the foot, in several of the embodiments described herein,compression is followed by tension which may include limited flexing ofan upper vertical portion. Tension results in shock absorption to thefoot in motion. Portions of the invention are held in position bycompressive downward pressure on one or more sole portions of thefootwear that is greater than sideways directional force componentsgenerated thereby. Momentum of the sideways directional force isabsorbed by one or more other upper portions of the footwear thiscreates tension in the footwear to provide shock absorption to the footin motion. Such upper portions are relatively stiff (semi-rigid)compared to conventional malleable uppers (e.g. cloth or soft leathernot capable of flexing with elastic deformation.

In the present invention, a side substantially vertical (upper) medialportion is provided next to the first metatarsal with a bottomsubstantially horizontal medial portion attached underneath. The firstmetatarsal in the forefoot area just ahead of the arch (mid-foot)portion is an area of triangulation in the foot. The downward pressureof compression is greater than sideways directional force so thehorizontal medial bottom portion remains relatively in position whilethe semi-rigid vertical (upper) side support can flex in tension sincemade to allow elastic deformation. With the horizontal bottom portion incompression and in position, the medial vertical side support is intension and can flex, absorbing the directional force of momentum toprovide shock absorption to the foot in motion.

Further, similar shock absorption can occur on the lateral side and thisis utilized in some embodiments of the invention. The fifth metatarsalis another area of triangulation in the foot. Further, some embodimentsof the invention place the more mobile first metatarsal portion intension in relation to the position of the less mobile fifth metatarsallocated across from the first. The further benefit of this footwearconstruction is cross foot tension in addition to medial and lateralside tension.

Further, triangulation occurs naturally in the foot to stabilize it.Rear foot impact is the initial point of a foot's triangulation and thisis utilized in some embodiments of the invention. Whether or not thefootwear is present, outward triangulation forces are initiated and iffootwear is constructed as shown in the present invention responseforces are created to manage the triangulation. In the presentinvention, triangulation from the foot is managed to the invention'srear (hind foot) portion of the footwear, with or without rear footverticals, to the mid foot/forefoot vertical lateral side portion, andto the medial forefoot side portion and stabilizes the footwear andholds it in position. The triangulation of the footwear interacts withthe continuing action of the foot's triangulation to contain movement ofthe foot and thereby sustain it.

Rear foot, mid foot and forefoot footwear triangulations manage the footin motion. Mid-foot and forefoot triangulations of footwear performsimilar functions. Forefoot portions of footwear triangulate to performsimilar functions. Forefoot only footwear with and withouttriangulations are in compression and tension. Further, forefootfootwear managed triangulation products per the invention do not requirea portion over the top of the foot and can perform independent of them.

Compression and tension are further utilized in an effective manner forredirection and shock absorption when a shape similar to a convex leafspring is applied to footwear in the rear and forefoot and medial sidearch. Through additional responses to compression these embodiments mayincrease shock absorption. These structures may be located in the shoosole and upper of footwear. Their location and the location of otherstructural features of the invention may unite into a structure ofsimilar materials around which manufacture of footwear can occur.

Like other relatively sturdier materials that underlie and bear weightand forces rather than appear this structure too can support the wholefoot in motion whether appearing in portions on the surface of footwearor underlying. Embodiments of the upper, sole and of the footwear as awhole may include attachments. These and other novel features of theinvention, including the ability to integrate similar material andstructures in the upper with the shoe sole are contributions to thestate of the art of footwear.

There is a difference between a directed shock absorbing structuralelement and an all over area of cushioning foam. Unlike foam that canonly be layered in different densities, plastic and plastic likematerial can be designed and molded to include structural features infootwear and manage triangulation.

Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description of preferred embodiments taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 displays a footprint and force arrows related to the present,invention;

FIG. 2 displays a top view of a footprint, bones of a foot and forcearrows;

FIG. 3 displays a medial side view of a first preferred embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3A displays a top view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B shows a side view of the bone structure of a foot and the FIG.3, 3A, embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3C shows a top view of the hone structure of a foot and the FIG. 3,3A embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a larger preferred embodiment of theinvention relative to a shoe counter and insole;

FIG. 4A shows a top view of the FIG. 4 embodiment of the inventionrelative to a shoe counter and insole;

FIG. 5 displays a side view of another preferred embodiment of theinvention comprising a counter portion;

FIG. 5A displays a top view of the FIG. 5 embodiment of the inventioncomprising a counter portion;

FIG. 6 displays a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7 displays a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 8 displays a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment of theinvention comprising a bridge and cushioning;

FIG. 9 displays a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment of theinvention comprising a bridge and cushioning;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe invention including a means for adjustment;

FIG. 12 displays a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment of theinvention including a more rearward positioned bridge and rear wings;

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of another alternate preferred embodimentof the invention including a means for adjustment;

FIG. 14 displays a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the inventionincluding a means for adjustment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of theinvention including a means for adjustment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe invention including a means for adjustment;

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe invention including a means for adjustment;

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe invention including a means for adjustment;

FIG. 20 illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe invention including additional means for adjustment;

FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe invention including additional means for adjustment;

FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe invention including a means for adjustment and placement of theinvention structure;

FIG. 23 illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe invention including a means for adjustment and placement of theinvention structure;

FIG. 24 illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe invention including a single portion;

FIG. 24 (sheet 15 of 36) shows

FIG. 24A (sheet 16 of 36) illustrates a top view of the FIG. 24embodiment of the invention including a top of the foot portion;

FIG. 25 (sheet 15 of 36) illustrates a top view of an alternatepreferred embodiment of the invention including a single portion;

FIG. 25A (sheet 16 of 36) illustrates a top view of the FIG. 25embodiment of the invention including a top of the foot portion;

FIG. 26 (sheet 15 of 36) illustrates a top view of an alternatepreferred embodiment of the invention including additional means foradjustment;

FIG. 26A (sheet 16 of 36) illustrates a top view of the FIG. 26embodiment of the invention including a top of the foot portion;

FIG. 27 (sheet 15 of 36) illustrates a top view of an alternatepreferred embodiment of the invention including additional means foradjustment;

FIG. 27A (sheet 16 of 36) illustrates a top view of the FIG. 27embodiment of the invention including a top of the foot portion;

FIG. 28 illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 28A illustrates a cut-away view of the portion of FIG. 28embodiment and is also shown on the distal end portions of FIG. 28 bytwo arrows labeled FIG. 28A to indicate correct placement of the cutaway view;

FIG. 29 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of present invention;

FIG. 29A illustrates a cut-away view of a portion of the FIG. 29embodiment and is also shown on the distal end portions of FIG. 29 bytwo arrows labeled FIG. 29A to indicate correct placement of the cutaway view;

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of an alternate preferred embodiment ofthe invention including polygon shaped adjustment portions;

FIG. 30A illustrates a cut-away view of a portion of FIG. 30;

FIG. 31 displays a top view of a footprint, hones of a foot andplacement of cutaways in relation to FIGS. 32, 33, 33A indicated by twoarrows pointing out the relationship of FIGS. 32, 33 and 33A (shown infuller detail on ensuing sheet 20 of 36);

FIG. 32 illustrates a cutaway of a convex form with a strike plate inthe rear foot area of footwear shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 illustrates a cutaway of a convex form with a strike plate inthe forefoot area of footwear shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33A illustrates an enlargement of cutaway FIG. 33 of a convex formwith a strike plate in the forefoot area of footwear shown in FIG. 31;

Still further embodiments are shown (on sheet 21 of 36) in FIGS.34A-34D, 35, 36, 36A-36C, 37, 38, 38A and 39-64 as follows

FIGS. 34 and 34A, 34B, and 34C (on sheet 21 of 36) show a furtherpreferred embodiment using transfer of three from the rearfoot to therearfoot using spring action and physical connection among three pointsof triangulation or alternatively as shown in FIG. 34D, electricalconnection;

FIG. 35 show a means of adjusting for different shoe sizes of users;

FIG. 35A (sheet 22 of 36) demonstrate adjustments available fordifferent shoe sizes of users;

FIG. 35B (sheet 22 of 36) demonstrate adjustments available fordifferent shoe sizes of users;

FIG. 35C (sheet 22 of 36) demonstrate adjustments available fordifferent shoe sizes of users;

FIGS. 36 and 36A, 36B and 36C show further preferred embodiments withsize adjustments and with foldable forefoot uppers; numerals 201 and 202showing possible size adjustments for FIG. 36B and numerals 203 and 204showing two forefoot upper adjustments of FIG. 16C

FIGS. 37 and 37A, 37B (sheet 24 of 36) and 37C, 37D-37 E (sheet 23 of36) show a further preferred embodiment with cushioning means, andlocking stops;

FIGS. 38-38A (sheet 26 of 36) and FIGS. 38B, 38C and 38D (sheet 27 of36) show a preferred embodiment with adjustable arm lengths;

FIGS. 39 and 40 (sheet 28 of 36) show a further preferred embodimentwith a locking joint absorbing shock of the foot in motion.

FIG. 41, with a variant in FIG. 42, show a further embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 43, 44 and 45 (sheet 30 of 36) show a further embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 46, 47 and 48 (sheet 31 of 36) show a further embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 49, 50, 51 and 52 (sheet 32 of 36) show a further embodiment ofthe invention;

FIGS. 53, 54, 55 and 56 (sheet 33 of 36) show a further embodiment ofthe invention with variant portions shown in EMS. 57, 58, 59 and 60(sheet 34 of 36), modifying the FIGS. 53, 54, 55 and 56 embodiments(sheet 33 of 36) and other embodiments;

FIGS. 61, 62 and 63 show a further embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 64, 65 and 66 shows a further embodiment of the invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following terms, as used relative to the present invention have themeanings as listed below:

GLOSSARY

Sustain—To keep something in position by holding it from below

Compression—Pushing, downward pressure

Tension—pulling, pulling apart, including bending/flexing

Vector—directional force, possessing both magnitude and directionrepresented by an arrow (which can include tension and/or compressioncomponents)

Force—something that changes the motion of an object (speed-momentumand/or direction)

Impact—rear of the foot striking the ground during a footstep

Medial—extending towards the middle of the body

Lateral—extending toward the outside of the body

Momentum—the product of mass and velocity

Tensile strength—maximum yield stress a material can handle reversiblywhen being pulled

Elastic deformation—self reversing shape change.

Strike plate—a material platform sustaining the downward pressure of thesides of a convex shape.

Attached or attachment—multiple parts bonded or linked, tied orotherwise secured together or an integral piece of material with two, ormore or more distinct portions (e.g. sole and upper portions).

There is shown, in FIGS. 1-66 improvements to footwear in multipleexemplary embodiments. Embodiments of the invention, shoe components andfootprint and foot are illustrated for a user's left foot, but it shouldbe understood that an analogous structure and analogous functions may beexhibited by a right foot and shoe components made according to theinvention.

The present invention utilizes downward pressures indicated in FIG. 1 byvectors 11, 12, 13 on footwear to sustain the foot in motion andsideways directional forces indicated in FIG. 1 by vectors 14, 15 toabsorb shock, brace and support the foot. The invention uses thesevectors of a foot in motion to mollify lateral and medial pressures andforces on the foot. Downward pressures 11, 12, 13 are greater inmagnitude than sideways directional forces 14, 15. This is used toadvantage to create tension in the invention. Preferred practice of theinvention is to engage the lesser directional force and momentum placedon the foot by vectors 14 and 15 to absorb shock, brace and support thefoot in motion and thereby manage triangulation.

The quality of compression is pushing and tension is pulling.Compression activates the invention. The action of applying downwardpressure in relation to directional force initiates tension within theinvention. Tension in the invention provides support for the foot inmotion.

The implementing structure per the present invention may be locatedsubstantially inside shoes in preferred embodiments or integral withshoe construction in others. The invention can be attached to shoesduring manufacture or can be inserted into a shoe by the consumer. Theinvention can be made by a manufacturer, a podiatrist, a doctor for apatient and those familiar with constructing footwear orthotics.

FIGS. 1 and 2, show a foot outline (isometrically in FIG. 1 and planview in FIG. 2). Downward facing arrows of vector 11 at the rear of thefoot, 12 at the mid and forefoot and 13 at the forefoot illustrate, insequence the downward pressure placed on a foot during a footstep. Therear area of the foot bears the greatest impact during forward motion.During activities like running, impact there can be three times bodyweight. During walking it is less. On the footprint 10 in FIG. 1 twovectors 14, 15 indicate the sequence of downward pressure anddirectional force moving forward. As the impact to the rear of the footabates, pressure and force move forward and to the lateral side vector14 at mid foot and forefoot. Vector 15 indicates the direction of forceand pressure in the footprint 10 in FIG. 1 from the lateral to themedial side of the foot toward the big toe and joint of the forefootFIG. 2, 16. The medial side being the side towards the center of thebody and the lateral is the side towards the outside of the body,opposite from the medial.

Forward heads of the two-headed directional arrows of FIG. 2, noted asvectors 17, 18, 19, 20 on the footprint 10 indicate the lateral andmedial areas of directional force and downward pressure directed to theforefoot and the big toe and joint of the forefoot 16. While rear facingarrows of vectors 17, 18, 19, 20 indicate the origins of the pressure.Rear facing heads of two-headed directional arrows vectors 17, 18, 19 onthe lateral side and vectors 20 on the medial side also indicate theoppositional force from the foot and the invention back from theforefoot to the lateral side forefoot, mid foot and rear foot.

Downward pressures and directional forces of a foot in motion in FIG. 2,vectors 17, 18, 19 proceed forward and all three converge on theforefoot medial side on or near the joint 16. On the medial side, weightmoves from the rear portion of vector 20 to the forefoot portion ofvector 20. Referring to FIG. 2, vector 20 there, is height, or bridging,in the area of the arch, and relative time off the surface on the medialside in relation to the incremental less bridged movement of thelateral. Medial height/bridging and relative time off the surface,allows for pivoting of direction to the medial side, but also moredownward pressure at the forefoot as the transfer of weight to theopposite foot also begins. Forefoot medial area is an important area asregards the invention because of the confluence of downward pressures,directional forces, and the completion of triangulation just before thebig toe pushes off and weight is transferred to the opposite foot.Therefore, all areas whether or not there is concomitant footwear,participate in the triangulation. Footwear of the invention may includecomponents in this area.

FIG. 3 shows a medial side view and FIG. 3A a top down view of a firstpreferred embodiment of the footwear product of the invention. Thisembodiment of FIGS. 3 and 3A comprises an angled footwear element shownfor a left foot (the right foot complement would be a mirror image).Vertical medial side support 21 is a medial substantially vertical sidesupport that may flex when in tension with a medial substantiallyhorizontal medial bottom portion 22 that remains relatively in positionduring the downward pressure of the foot in motion. With downwardpressure portion 22 is in compression and fixed in place (anchored) and21 is in tension. Portion 21 is the upper of the element and 22 thesole. The area 21 may experience elastic deformation. Maximum stress mayoccur there in footwear due to the confluence of forces, pressures andweight transfer. As a result, the material design for the particularapplication may require a tensile strength test and an analysis ofelastic deformation obtained to see how much the first metatarsal isrestrained but including at least some limited flexing movement.Compression occurs elsewhere in the sole and tension elsewhere in theupper of footwear product. All areas of compression and tension infootwear may require similar testing to assure that the foot ismaintained to some degree. Vertical medial side support 21 can belocated within or external to a shoe, boot, sneaker, sandal or otherfootwear product. Horizontal medial bottom portion 22 can be within orexternal to a complete footwear product as well. It can be attached tobottom sole plastic material currently visible in some footwear. It maybe located anywhere between the bottom outside of footwear and theinside of footwear.

In FIGS. 3B, 3C bones of the foot are shown. Beginning in the rear footat impact the calcaneus 30 is shown, 40 is the cuboid bone, mid foot onthe lateral side, the fifth metatarsal 31 is forward of the cuboid,moving toward the medial side are metatarsals four 36, three 37, two 38,one 32, sesamoid bones 33, and phalanges 34, 35 of the big toe. Jointsof the first metatarsal 32, 39, 16 are also shown. The calcaneus 30 inthe rear foot bears the initial impact of foot-strike. Forward of thecalcaneus 30, pressure on the foot varies as the three moves forward andtowards the lateral side and the area of the fifth metatarsal 31, vector14 in FIG. 1 and then to the medial side of the foot and the area of thefirst metatarsal 32, vector 15 in FIG. 1. The three hones, calcaneus 30,fifth metatarsal 31, and first metatarsal 32 form a triangle, a stableform. In preferred embodiments, the invention responds and interactswith forces in these three areas: the calcaneus 30, the fifth metatarsal31 and the first metatarsal 32, sequentially as the directional forceschange. Adjoining areas also triangulate.

FIG. 3B shows a side view and FIG. 3C shows a top view of the bonestructure and an outline of the foot 10 both in dashed lines. It showsthe placement of vertical medial side support 21 and horizontal medialbottom portion 22 of the FIGS. 3, 3A embodiment of the invention inrelation to the hones of the foot. Vertical medial side support 21 isbeside the first metatarsal. In alternate embodiments vertical medialside support 21 may be further rearward at or towards the joint 39 orforward towards joint 16. Further, vertical medial side support 21 maybe an upside-down and backwards “L” shape with the top backwards rearfoot facing portion extending over to the joint 39 and maybe slightlybeyond. The horizontal medial bottom portion 22 is under the firstmetatarsal; the largest and thickest bone in the forefoot. The downwardpressure and lateral to medial directional force on the foot in motionputs portion 21 in tension. The downward pressure on the horizontalmedial portion 22 is greater than the lateral to medial sidewaysdirectional force on portion 21. As a result, under the foot portion 22stays in position sustaining the foot. Portion 21 in relation to portion22 may or may not flex in tension as directional force vector arrow 21A,pointing from the lateral to the medial side, is applied to the firstmetatarsal 32 of the foot. The response of portion 21 is indicated bythe other directional force vector arrow 21A, pointing from the medialto the lateral side, on the first metatarsal 32. Whether portion 21flexes or not, the response of the tension in portion 21 is to absorbmomentum of the directional force of the foot in motion. As a result,the invention absorbs shocks, braces, supports, and stabilizes the firstmetatarsal and other bones and muscles of the foot in motion.

The footstep continues past this forefoot area. The ball of the footrolls further towards the medial side and the forefoot big toe. Downwardpressure moves to the vertical medial side support 21 from thehorizontal medial bottom portion 22. Portion 21 briefly pulls portion 22vertically providing relief from downward pressure there. It providessupport and lessens the downward pressure on portion 22 just after it isat its greatest.

In footwear the horizontal area of horizontal medial bottom portion 22may be extended towards the lateral area of the foot along vectors 17,18 in FIG. 2 which in turn may increase the area of downward pressureand increase the likelihood of portion 22 remaining in position whiledirectional force is directed toward vertical portion 21. Sole portion22 of footwear may extend further towards the rear foot encompassingareas of vectors 19, 20 as well.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4, 4A the invention provides a structure inthe upper forefoot vertical medial side support 21, and horizontalmedial bottom portion 22 in the sole that may be made of a similarmaterial to the vertical shoe counter 24, and lateral and medial sidehorizontal bottom shoe counter 28, 41. Although the material of thecounter 24, 41 is unattached to embodiment FIGS. 4, 4A its placement mayengender tension and compression. Similar proximity in footwear may alsobring about tension and compression and triangulation of footwear of theinvention. Therefore the upper portion may include not only 21, but also24, 41 in tension and not only 22, 23, but also 41, 28 in compression.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4, 4A horizontal support 22 is increased insize. It extends towards the lateral area of the foot along vectors 17,18 and to the rear foot areas vectors 19, 20. The increase of the sizeof the substantially horizontal portion of the embodiment from 22 to 22,23 in turn increases the downward pressure and makes the embodiment morelikely to remain in position. The stability resulting from the increasein size and downward pressure allows portion 21 to be bracedincrementally more consistently. It is thought a pain free consistentrepetitive foot-strike is advantageous. A consistent repetitivefoot-strike provided by embodiment FIGS. 4, 4A may provide consistentsupport and bracing for the first metatarsal.

Side view FIG. 4 shows the vertical medial side support 21 andhorizontal medial bottom portion 22 connected to 23 making thisembodiment 21, 22, 23. FIG. 4 shows this embodiment in relation to aninsole 29 and extending back as far as the insole. FIG. 4A shows theembodiment following in part the outline of the insole 29. It isunderstood the footwear can align with, be above, below or part of aninsole 29. FIG. 4, 4A with portions 21, 22, 23 can be an orthotic deviceadded by the consumer to footwear or by the manufacturer.

Following impact, vertical medial side support 21 and horizontal medialbottom portion 22 experience downward pressure 11 from the rear footarea and downward pressures 12, 13 in the mid foot and forefoot area.Top view FIG. 4A shows vertical medial side support 21, and horizontalmedial bottom portion 22 in the area of four two headed forward facingarrowhead vectors, one on the medial side 20 and three on the lateralside 17, 18, 19. Vertical medial side support 21, horizontal medialbottom portion 22 experience these directional force vectors 17, 18, 19,20 to the forefoot medial side. FIGS. 4, 25, 26, 27 and FIGS. 4A, 27,21A show this footwear in tension between its vertical medial sidesupport 21 and horizontal medial bottom portion 22. The resultingtensions and possible flexing of vertical medial side support 21, andhorizontal medial bottom portion 22, are accommodated by the flexibilityof the material of the invention.

Tension and compression in vertical medial side support 21, andhorizontal medial bottom portion 22 on the medial side in FIGS. 3, 3A,3B, 3C, 4, 4A is also present in the embodiment of FIGS. 5, 5A,indicated by 27 in FIG. 5A, and also on the medial side of all otherembodiments of the footwear. Material may be lessened in the sole offootwear to lighten it while it still remains sturdy. FIG. 5A shows avertical counter 24 with lateral site horizontal bottom shoe counterportion 28, 41. The counter is joined around the rear of the foot 24,lateral side 41 to medial side 41 and forward to a mid foot horizontalconnector area 43 and then to medial forefoot area and 21, 22. Theincrease of area provided by horizontal counter portions 28, 41, 42, 43,22 provides an increase of downward pressure on the footwear therebyincreasing the likelihood of portion 22 remaining in position whiledirectional force is directed toward vertical portion 21 and the firstmetatarsal 32. Vertical shoe counter portion 24 extending up around theheel from the lateral to the medial side stabilizes the rear foot andrear foot portion of footwear thereby assisting in holding the rest ofthe embodiment in position in relation to the foot. Therefore, footwearwith 24, 41 and/or lateral 28 includes triangulation for the foot inmotion.

Crossing from the lateral side of area 28 over to the medial side at ornear 43 is a bridge 42. Connecting the lateral to the medial reinforcesthe structure and contributes to holding the embodiment in position.Both downward pressures in the middle of the foot and directional forces19 act on connector 42 farther stabilizing footwear. In other footwear abridge may proceed from area 28 of the counter under the foot and overto area 22. This footwear may or may not include area 43.

Downward pressure affects this and other embodiments along the path ofthe two headed arrow 19 of FIG. 2 first from the lateral then to themedial side and then there are counteractive directional forces from themedial 19 to the lateral side. As a result, the upper of footwear intension includes portions 21, 24 while the sole portion of footwear incompression includes 22, 28, 41, 42, 43.

FIG. 5 shows a call out 44A. Bending of the forefoot during forwardmotion may require the footwear to bend as well. Thinner in the middle,area 44A in FIG. 5, bends when the foot bends. Call out 44B shows a balland socket joint allowing the footwear to bend at this point in asimilar way. Placement of 44A and 44B are specific to the user and canbe arrived at through testing. Other places in the footwear may requirea bending mechanism. These may be used elsewhere in the invention. Othermethods to bend the invention may also be used. Further, in alternateembodiments the footwear may not need an intentional bend and may adjuston its own due to the flexibility of the material.

FIGS. 6, 7 show top views of two further embodiments of the inventionattached in part to the counter 24, 41 of a shoe. In FIG. 6 forwardlateral horizontal portion 48 of the embodiment continues fartherforward than the lateral side counter 28, 41 in FIGS. 5, 5A. It shiftsdirection and continues up vertically 47 to rest beside the cuboid bone40 in FIG. 3C. FIG. 7 portion 51 continues farther forward than thecounter 28, 41 in FIGS. 5, 5A to underneath the rear base portion of thefifth metatarsal bone 31 in FIG. 3C and then up vertically 50 beside thefifth metatarsal bone 31. It is understood that these and other footwearcan be independent of the shoe and counter. It is also understood theareas of 47, 48, 50, 51 may overlap in alternate embodiments. It is alsounderstood in footwear dashed line 24A in FIG. 6 may connect the counter24 to 47 and in FIG. 7 counter 24 may be connected to 50. The upper offootwear in tension includes portions 21, 24, 47, 50 while the soleportion of footwear in compression includes 22, 48, 51, 41, 43.

Vectors 17, 18, shown in FIG. 2, are closer to the fifth metatarsal, apoint of triangulation of the foot. Triangulation provides an angle anda change of direction. At an angle more support may be required for thechange of direction. Therefore, the closer to an angle the verticalsupport is the more support the footwear may provide. As a result, morecross foot support to the foot may be provided in the embodiment ofFIGS. 6, 7 than in the embodiment of FIGS. 5, 5A which is closer tovector 19. As in the embodiment of FIG. 7 is farther forward on thelateral side towards the point of triangulation than FIG. 6 there may bemore support and bracing in this footwear. FIG. 7 and similar footwearmay also provide more cross loot support and bracing due to being closerand more approximately across from the first metatarsal, another pointof triangulation.

The foot is a triangle shape with initial impact during a footstep tothe rear foot point of triangulation. Muscles and tendons are oftenattached in the rear and mid foot for power to move the foot forward.The triangle is wider in front. This allows for lateral and medialmovement and momentum across the forefoot. Part of human balance isachieved through the adjustments of lateral and medial muscle movementsin the forefoot. Abductor muscles in the foot pull towards the lateraland adductor muscles pull toward the medial side. The foot in motiongenerally proceeds forward through a triangulated sequence and theinvention systematically and methodically follows. The footwear maycontain elements in the rear foot, on the lateral and the medial sides.As a result footwear manages the triangulation of the foot in motion.This occurs whether or not the footwear contains vertical elements atthe angles of triangulation.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 6, 7 tension and compression is createdwithin the embodiment at 21, 22 on the medial side. Similar tension andcompression is created in areas lateral vertical beside cuboid bone 47,lateral horizontal below cuboid bone 48 in FIG. 6 and lateral verticalbeside base of fifth metatarsal 50, lateral horizontal below base offifth metatarsal 51 indicated by two headed arrow 49 on the lateral sidein FIGS. 7. In FIGS. 6, 7, two headed arrow 49 on the lateral side showssimilar tension and compression to 27, on the medial side, in 21, 22 inFIGS. 4, 4A, 5, 5A.

As in the tension and compression within 21, 22 in previously discussedfootwear and 47, 48 and 50, 51 in embodiment FIGS. 6, 7, so too tensionand compression is created within 21, 22 and 50, 51 in FIG. 8 and within21, 22 and 47, 48 in FIG. 9. The upper of footwear in FIG. 8 includes21, 50, 59, 60 and the sole includes 22, 51, 41, 55, 52. The upper offootwear in FIG. 9 includes 21, 47 and the sole includes 22, 48, 41, 43,53. All following footwear with areas 47, 48, 50, 51, 104, 105 on thelateral side and 21, 22 on the medial side are in tension andcompression with the foot in motion.

The FIG. 8 embodiment contains cross foot bridge 52 along vector 17. Thetriangulated shape of the foot indicated by arrows 46, 54 anddirectional force vector 17 and the triangulated form of the embodimentFIG. 8, are somewhat above and below each other. The FIG. 8 embodimentmore nearly imitates the connected triangulation of the three points ofsupport 30, 31, 32 of the foot in motion due to the bridge 52 across thefoot from the lateral to the medial side than previous embodiments. Asan embodiment with portion 50 beside the rear base of the fifthmetatarsal 31 and portion 21 beside the first metatarsal 32 and with abridge underneath the foot 51, 52, 22, the FIG. 8 structure allows themore stationary base of the fifth metatarsal to interact with the moremedial and lateral movements of the first metatarsal 32 during theforward motion of a foot.

The position of the rear portion of the fifth metatarsal 31 pressed upagainst the cuboid bone 40 and the fourth metatarsal 36, shown in FIG.3C, limits its medial movement. The limited movement may be beneficial;however sports injuries occur there, possibly due to its limitedmovement. The portions 50, 51 may provide barriers beside and below thefoot and support to foot movement. The first metatarsal 32 moves moreboth medially and laterally than the rear base portion of the fifth 31.Portion 50 contains momentum from medial to lateral vector 14 in FIG. 1.The limited medial mobility of the rear base of the fifth metatarsalholds vertical portion 50 of the embodiment relatively in place asdirectional force FIG. 1, 15 creates cross foot tension betweenhorizontal lateral 51 and vertical medial 22. Horizontal lateral 51 isplaced in tension as downward pressure is placed on it while directionalforce moves momentum to vertical medial 22. The tension in verticalmedial 22, on the opposite side, pulls horizontal lateral 51 verticallyagainst the downward pressure on it. This creates tension in thefootwear that extends across the foot. This results in cross foottension and compression in footwear. This cross foot tension absorbsshock, braces and supports the first metatarsal 32 of the fool. Tensionin embodiments with a lateral vertical like 50, a bridge 52, or otherlateral to medial bridges, and a medial vertical like 21 creates tensionacross footwear from the lateral to the medial side. Although FIG. 9 hasa cross foot bridge 53 located more towards the rear foot vector 18 andaway from the point of triangulation at the base of the fifth metatarsalit still has cross foot tension and compression. There is also crossfoot tension and compression in footwear from the medial to the lateralside when menial to lateral vector 14 in FIGS. 1 and 17, 18 in FIG. 2create tension in vertical laterals 50, 47 while horizontal medialbottom portion 22 is pulled vertically. This cross foot tension andcompression is in addition to tension and compression within portions ofthe footwear on just the lateral 50, 51 and 47, 48 and medial 21, 22sides for examples.

The embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9 are not attached to shoe counters 24.Portion 41 of embodiments FIGS. 8 and 9 is a horizontal portionunderneath the foot, and 55 indicates an outer line of the footwear inthe rear foot that may or may not be beside the counter to stabilize therear foot area of the footwear. Any embodiment of the invention may beseparate from the counter or attached.

FIG. 8 also shows portions 59 on the lateral and 60 on the medial sideof the rear foot. These are substantially horizontal portions extendingto the counter of footwear to hold the rear foot area of this and otherembodiments to footwear. Portions 59, 60 may provide another way tostabilize footwear by having a vertical portion proceeding up beside thesides of the rear foot. Vertical portions extending up beside the heelon the lateral and the medial side may stabilize the rear foot and rearfoot portion of footwear thereby assisting in holding the rest of theembodiment in position to sustain the foot. In footwear vertical rearfoot stabilizing portions 59 may be connected to vertical support 50 inFIGS. 8 and to 47 in FIG. 9. Horizontal or horizontal and vertical rearfoot stabilizing portions 59, 60 may be added singularly or bothtogether to footwear without connections to the counter. They may beadjustable to the rear foot width and height of users and have differingconfigurations. Footwear may have vertical portions 59, 60 extendingback and around the rear foot area of the embodiment and be joined thereor not.

The embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9 show forefoot additions 56, 57. Theymay be customized to a specific consumer's foot concern. In FIG. 8,cushioning 56 is added to the embodiment at the area of the firstmetatarsal head and phalanges 34, 35. In FIG. 9 cushioning 57 is addedto the embodiment at the second 38, third 37 and fourth 36 metatarsalheads and phalanges. Foam or similar material may be placed above and orbelow and or as part of embodiments of the footwear. When the footwearcomprises a plastic or plastic like material that is harder, and/ordenser than foam or rubber-like material, it can act as a shell to whichother shoe features can be added, for example arch supports.

Current treatments for metatarsal pain may place a raised, cushioned padjust behind the second, third and fourth metatarsal heads, relievingsome of the downward pressure on the metatarsal heads by moving it backtowards the rear foot and spreading it over a wider area, lessening itat the metatarsal beads. As an alternative, a cushioned pad could beadded to the bridges, 52 in FIGS. 8 and 53 in FIG. 9. Further, as thematerial of the footwear can be molded, is rigid, yet is flexible, theshape of the bridges 52 and 53 in FIGS. 8 and 9, and other footwear canbe constructed to accommodate the cushioned forefoot pads. Also, if theembodiment is custom made, the bridge can be designed to accommodate thestructure of the forefoot of the patient. Bridge 52 with 50, 51 besidethe fifth metatarsal 31 is often used in further embodiments, it isunderstood bridge 52 and 53, beside and under the cuboid bone 40portions 47, 48 can both be used in footwear.

The lateral to the medial side portions 52, 53 in FIGS. 8 and 9 maybenefit from utilizing bending portions 44A, 44B in FIG. 5. It isunderstood there are other was to allow the material of the footwear tobend and other embodiments may benefit from bending portions 44A, 44B inFIG. 5.

Foot pressure and force are exerted through the bones to the joints.Excessive pressure or pressure in the wrong place or direction canaffect the joints. A function of the footwear is to absorb momentum andpossibly flex, in portions 21, 22, 47, 48, 50, 51, 104, 105 in order toabsorb shock and brace the non-bending bones of the forefoot to reducethe chances for injuries at the joints. The joints are often the areasof injury. They are where and when the maximum of downward pressure anddirectional force repeatedly occurs. The flexing of the material of thefootwear contains directional force, momentum and force to the bones ofthe foot.

Sports requiring lateral, site to side, foot movement, like tennis,soccer and basketball may benefit from the physical triangulation ofthese forefoot bridges 52, 52A, 53 and other cross foot bridges. Thesebridges complete the connection of the three areas of support of thefoot and mimic the natural triangulation of the foot. The mimickingtriangulation of the footwear braces and stabilizes these angles whendownward pressure and transition to other directions are at these anglesof triangulation of the foot.

Cross foot tension and compression and triangulation may be managed bythe footwear. By containing the force of lateral and medial momentumwithout appreciably limiting the extent of foot movement, athletes insports that require frequent lateral and medial foot motion, may recoverfrom their sideways movements more quickly.

By custom constructing the present footwear for athletes valuableinformation can be gained. Athletes concerned with directed forwardmotion, such as marathon runners and sprinters may benefit. Longdistance runners may experience muscle fatigue. They may benefit fromthe cumulative bracing effect on bones that may reduce stress on themuscles. Better athletic performance may result as the extremes ofpressure and force at the lateral and medial sides of the foot may belessened through containment in the footwear.

The material of the footwear can be calibrated to accommodate tensionand compression and make it appropriate to the requirements of the footin motion. The thickness or the material may vary according to itsfunction. The plastic or plastic like material car also include afibrous or other type of embedded reinforcing material, thereby creatinga composite material that may, for example act directionally or crossdirectionally. Further, a mechanism can be combined with the footwear totest, for example the tensile strength and other elements of thefootwear. This mechanism cart provide data from the footwear tomanufacturers and consumers. The information can be applied to footwearfor the mass consuming public and those requiring the footwear for footrelated problems. The material of footwear in all embodiments, exceptwhere otherwise indicated, may be a version of existing foot orthoticmaterial, shoe counter material, a new material, a material adapted foruse with footwear, a material used for orthotics in other parts of thebody and/or a combination. The material may have characteristics offlexible, semi-rigid and rigid foot orthotics. When choosing thestrength of a material in any such category the amount of weight andforces on the material must be considered. The footwear may be acombination, in layers, in portions, thicknesses, flexibility andrelative firmness of material. When weight is placed by the foot on thefootwear it responds. As a result, weight does not have to be on thefoot when custom making footwear. Slight weight on the molding materialcan produce a flat bottom to the footwear allowing it to have it flatbottom when placed in shoes. Heated or soaked material cart be placed onthe foot or a plaster foot cast. Alternatively, a three dimensionalcomputer image of a foot may be made and corresponding footwear of theinvention created. A preferred material is Carboplast™ a brand of lightweight semi-rigid durable material made of high strength carbon andglass fibers in a polypropylene matrix adjustable in contour by heatingor softening, well known in the footwear industry. The models are madefrom a sheet of standard Carboplast material in a thickness of about 1.5to 2.5 mm, preferably about 2.0 mm. A 2.5 mm thickness is consideredrigid but capable of elastic deformation bending under load withrecovery to original position as the load is removed. It can be heatedin an oven to soften the material. The material as softened can beplaced over a foot mold where it is cooled and hardened. Furtherfittings require trimming and adjustments to the footwear. The materialcan be “set” to have sole and upper (horizontal and vertical) portionswith flex in the upper portion.

The embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 12 comprise what may be called a “cross”or “X” shape. Two headed directional arrows vectors 57, 58 showdirectional forces crossing to opposite sides. Vector 57 crosses fromlateral to medial and 58 from medial to lateral. By locating portions ofembodiments in the middle under the foot the downward pressure from therear foot along 57, 58 to opposing sides may increase lateral and medialstability in footwear and provide more support to the foot in motion.The upper of footwear in FIG. 10 includes 21, 50 and the sole 41, 53,51, 22, 52. The upper of footwear in FIG. 12 includes 21, 50, 59, 60 andthe sole 41, 35, 51, 22, 52A.

The embodiments of FIGS. 12 and 13 have bridge 52A further back towardsthe rear foot than bridge 52 in FIG. 10. The maximum bending of back tofront foot motion in the short, fast races of sprinters may require moreback to front flexibility than side to side. The location of bridge 52A,further back toward the rear foot where less foot bending occurs, may beof advantage to sprinters who require more back to front foot bendingthan other athletes require.

The embodiments of FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13 do not show attachments to acounter 24, 41. FIG. 12 shows wings 59, 60 that may contact the counter24, 41 to further stabilize the rear foot part of the footwear. It isunderstood there are many ways, including vertical portions, toimplement these wings to further stabilize footwear. FIGS. 10, 11, 12,13 portions 50, 51 are in tension, indicated by two headed arrow 49.When a foot is in forward motion, all footwear with lateral verticalside and lateral horizontal bottom portions may be in tension andcompression similar to 49 in FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13. Further, all footwearwith portions 21, 22 may be in tension and compression. All footwearwith portions extending from the lateral to medial side similar to 42,52, 53, 52A, 112 may be in cross foot tension and compression andtriangulation.

FIGS. 11 and 13 each have two parts to adjust the width and length offootwear. FIG. 11 has parts 61, 62 with holes 65, 65A and plug 66, 66A.FIG. 13 has parts 63, 64 with slots 67 and plug 68. Other means ofadjustment may be used and are still within the scope of the presentinvention. The upper of footwear FIGS. 11 and 13 includes 21, 50, whilethe remainder is in the sole. Downward compression at the rear lotbegins triangulation, as a result FIGS. 11, 13 and others with lateraland medial elements triangulate.

The embodiment of FIG. 14 has two headed vector arrow 58 in dashed linesproceeding from the rear foot medial side to the forefoot lateral sideand vector arrow 15 from the lateral to the medial side. Arrows 58 and15 indicate the movement of downward pressure and directional force andsomewhat mirror the embodiment of FIG. 14 and the placement of some ofthe bones of the foot, indicated in smaller dashed lines, includingcalaneus 30, cuboid 40, fifth 31 and first metatarsal 32. EmbodimentFIG. 14 also shows portion 60 which may have horizontal and verticalportions in the area beside the rear foot on the medial side. Verticaland horizontal portions 60, 50, 51, 21, 22 create the shape of atriangle with two portions on the medial and one on the lateral. Thistriangulation may stabilize footwear. The footwear may triangulate withtwo angles on the lateral, rather than one as in FIG. 14, and one on themedial, rather than two. FIG. 14 also shows additional optional bridge69 from the lateral to the medial side. The upper of footwear includes21, 50, 60, while the remainder is in the sole.

The embodiment of FIG. 15 has two pieces 70, 71. Part 70 has outercircle 72 to swivel for width adjustment and an array of holes 74 forfootwear. Part 71 has inner circle 73 below 70 and plug 75 below 70 thatfits into any of the holes 74 to hold the width adjustment of footwearin place. The upper of footwear includes 21, 50, while the remainder isin the sole.

The embodiment of FIG. 16 has two pieces 76, 77. Part 76 has outercircle 72 to swivel for width adjustment and an array of holes 78. Part77 has inner circle 73 below 76 and plug 79 below 76 that fits into anyof the holes 78 to hold the width adjustment of footwear in place. Theupper of footwear includes 21, 50, while the remainder is in the sole.

The embodiment of FIG. 17 has two pieces 80, 81. Part 80 has holes 82forward and 82A rearward and part 81 has plug 83 forward and 83Arearward for width adjustment of footwear. Cuboid bone 40, fifthmetatarsal 31 and first metatarsal 32 are shown in dashed lines. Theupper of footwear includes 21, 50, while the remainder is in the sole.

Foot health may improve due to limiting, extension of the foot by thestructure and material of the invention during rigorous athletic andnormal activity. Containing the lateral and medial extension mayincrease the possibility of a repetitive, stable, foot-strike. If thefootwear of the invention is inserted in different shoes by the consumerit achieves a consistency of forward foot movement relativelyindependent of the choice of shoes. As mentioned above, it is oftensuspected is relatively repetitive, stable foot-strike that is notpainful is advantageous.

Metatarsalgia is a general term for pain in the area of the forefootmetatarsal heads. Some of its causes are: shoes that squeeze the toes,athletic activities that apply great pressure on the foot and thediminishing of the fat pad under the metatarsal heads as we age. Ahypermobile first metatarsal is a foot problem. Morton's Neuroma is aforefoot condition occurring between the third and fourth metatarsalheads. Morton's Toe can occur if the second toe is longer than thefirst. This is possibly due to the thinner second metatarsal head beinglonger than the first and absorbing pressures that would otherwise beabsorbed by the thicker first metatarsal head if it was longer instead.These and other problems at or near the metatarsal heads and forefootmay benefit from use of the invention.

Bunions, medically know as Hallux Valgus at the first, and bunionettesat the fifth metatarsals are a foot problem often linked to women's highheel shoes. The pain of bunions may be mitigated by footwear of theinvention. During a normal footstep there is au exchange of force andpressure from the rear to the forefoot and from the lateral to medialside. High heel shoes restrict the toes from the natural moving forwardand spreading movement that absorbs the forward pressure and directedforce of the foot in motion. With each step in high heel shoes thedirected pressure limits the forward movement and spreading of the toes.The toebox is the area of a shoe that contains the toes of the foot. Thetot may restrict the natural forward movement and spreading of the toesill order to keep the rear of the foot from sliding down off the top ofthe high heel and the forefoot from poking out the front of thefootwear. Further, the cramped toebox of a shoe is often pointed forcingthe toes towards the center of the foot rather than allowing the naturalspreading of the toes to the sides. The forced movement of the toestowards the center of the foot and the limiting of their forward motionis the opposite motion of the toes natural tendency to spread and moveforward. As a result, the steep angle of the rear foot in high heelsplaces inordinate amounts of downward pressure repeatedly on the sameforefoot metatarsal heads rather than disbursing it forward. This reardownward pressure also forces the metatarsal heads to spread. At thesame time, opposing directional force from the toes in the crampedtoebox is applied back to the metatarsal heads, further forcing themetatarsal heads to spread apart from each other. The overwhelming forcefrom the first and fifth metatarsals behind the toes extends themfarther to the sides of the foot and forces the toes in front of themfurther into the cramped toebox. During a footstep and over time, use ofhigh heel shoes spreads metatarsals more, both laterally and medially,than would a flatter soled shoe with a wider and longer area in theforefoot toebox. Eventually the metatarsals may become permanentlyspread causing foot pain.

Bracing and support of the first and fifth metatarsals by footwear ofthe invention may mitigate the pain of bunions and other footconditions. The width and spreading angles of the first and fifthmetatarsals from wearing high heel shoes are different for differentpeople and foot sizes. As a result, several of the embodiments followinghave inner spiked wheels 89 and outer spiked wheel 90 on the medialand/or lateral sides, as shown in FIGS. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28 and29. Spiked wheels 89, 90 allow angle portions 50, 51, 104, 105 and 47,48, on the lateral side and 21, 22 on the medial side to adjust todifferent angles of the forefoot metatarsals on the lateral and medialsides of footwear.

It is understood spiked wheels 89, 90 can be added to footwear mentionedabove as well. It is understood other footwear max include spiked wheels89, 90 on the lateral or medial side only of on both sides. It is alsounderstood there are other means of allowing footwear to adapt to anglesof the metatarsals. It is also understood a swivel mechanism like 72, 73in the rear foot may be applied to the forefoot in order to self adjustto metatarsal angles during forward motion of the foot in footwear.

The embodiment of FIG. 18 has three pieces 84, 85, 86. Part 84 has arear foot portion to help stabilize the embodiment. It is understood therear foot portion of the footwear can take on a different shape. It isalso understood that the footwear can effect triangulation with orwithout a vertical upper portion. Part 84 has a circular shape portionwith teeth 87 that fits under teeth portions 88, 88A on both sides of 85to adjust the width of footwear. FIG. 18 includes circular portion 87that can also adjust to brace and support different portions along thelength of the first metatarsal hone if placed at different angles on inline, teeth 88, 88A on both sides of 85 of footwear. Part 85 also hascircular portion 90 that can be placed over portion 89 of part 86. Byplacing 89 of 86 under 90 of 85 at different angles footwear eon bealigned to the first metatarsal bone. The upper of footwear includes 21,50, while the remainder is in the sole.

The embodiment of FIG. 19 has three pieces 91, 85, 86. Part 91 has acircular shape portion with teeth 87 that fits under teeth portions 88,88A on both sides of 85 to adjust the width of footwear. FIG. 19includes circular portion 87 that can also adjust to brace and supportdifferent portions along the length of the first metatarsal bone ifplaced at different angles on in line teeth 88, 88A on both sides of 85of footwear. Part 85 also has circular portion 90 that can be placedover portion 89 of part 86. By placing 89 of 86 under 90 of 85 atdifferent angles the footwear can be aligned to the first metatarsal.The upper of footwear includes 21, 50, while the remainder is in thesole.

The embodiment of FIG. 20 has four pieces 92, 93, 86, 94. Piece 92 hasinside circular portion 72 to allow the piece to swivel in conjunctionwith piece 93 outside circular portion 73 of footwear. Piece 92 hasinside teeth portion 89 fitting under outside teeth portions 90 of piece94 to adjust to the angle of the filth metatarsal of footwear. Piece 93has outside teeth portion 90 fitting over inside teeth portions 89 ofpiece 86 to adjust to the angle of the first metatarsal of footwear. Thearray of holes 95 of piece 93 allows plug 96 of 92 to enter under toadjust the width of footwear. The upper of footwear includes 21, 50,while the remainder is in the sole.

The embodiment of FIG. 21 has four pieces 97, 98, 86, 94. Piece 97 hasinside teeth portion 89 fitting under outside teeth portions 90 of piece94 to adjust to the angle of the fifth metatarsal of footwear. Piece 98has outside teeth portion 90 fitting over inside teeth portions 89 ofpiece 86 to adjust to the angle of the first metatarsal of footwear.Slots 99 of piece 98 allows plug 100 of 97 to enter underneath to adjustthe width of footwear. Some bones of the foot are shown in dashed ones.The upper of footwear includes 21, 50, while the remainder is in thesole.

The embodiment of FIG. 22 has four pieces 101, 102, 103, 86. Piece 101has inside, rear foot area circular portion 72 to allow the piece toswivel in conjunction with piece 102 outside circular rear foot areaportion 73 of footwear. Piece 101 has inside teeth portion 89 fittingunder outside teeth portions 90 of piece 103 to adjust to the anglebeside and further forward than the base of the fifth metatarsal. Piece102 has outside teeth portion 90 fitting over inside teeth portions 89of piece 86 to adjust to the angle of the first metatarsal. The array ofholes 106 of piece 102 allows plug 107 of 101 to enter under to adjustthe width of footwear. FIG. 22 has piece 103 with portions 104, 105providing similar tension and compression in footwear in a differentlocation at the fifth metatarsal 31 than 50, 51. All footwear with areas47, 48, 50, 51, 194, 105 on the lateral side and 21, 22 on the medialside are in tension and compression with the foot in motion. Some bonesof the foot are shown in dashed lines. The upper of footwear includes21, 104, while the remainder is in the sole.

The embodiment of FIG. 23 has four pieces 108, 109, 103, 86. Piece 108has inside teeth portion 89 fitting under outside teeth portions 90 ofpiece 103 to adjust to the angle beside and further forward than thebase of the fifth metatarsal of footwear. Piece 109 has outside teethportion 90 fitting over inside teeth portions 89 of piece 86 to adjustto the angle of the first metatarsal. Slots 110 of piece 109 allow plug111 of 108 to fit underneath to adjust the width of footwear. Some honesof the foot are shown in dashed lines. The upper of footwear includes21, 104, while the remainder is in the sole.

The embodiment of FIG. 24 is one piece with portions 52, 21, 22, 50, 51.FIG. 26 is similar to FIG. 24, but with two pieces 113, 114 withportions 21, 22, 50, 51, 99, 100. Slots 99 of 113 allow plug 100 of 114to fit underneath to adjust the width of footwear. The upper of footwearincludes 21, 50, while the remainder is in the sole.

The embodiment of FIG. 25 is one piece with portions 112, 21, 22, 104,105. FIG. 27 is similar to FIG. 25, but with two pieces 115, 116 withportions 21, 22, 104, 105, 110, 111. Slots 110 of 115 allow plug 111 ofpiece 116 to fit underneath to adjust the width of footwear. The upperof footwear includes 21, 104, while the remainder is in the sole.

In embodiments FIGS. 24A, 25A, 26A, 27A attachments 117, 118 areattached to the inner side of the lateral 50, 51, 104, 105 and medial21, 22 sides. It is understood they can be attached to the outer side aswell in these and other footwear. Embodiment FIG. 24A is a single piece21, 22, 50, 51, 52 with attachment 117. Embodiment FIG. 25A is a singlepiece 21, 22, 104, 105, 112 with attachment 118. Single piece footwearlike embodiments FIGS. 24, 25, 24A, 25A may be footwear manufactured indifferent sizes, custom made to the foot width of consumers and patientsand customizable by consumers. FIG. 26A has two pieces 113, 114 withslots 99 and plug 100 and FIG. 27A has two pieces 115, 116 with slots110, and plug 111. FIGS. 26A, 27A have attachments 117, 118respectively. Embodiments FIGS. 26, 27, 26A, 27A and footwear similar tothese may accommodate a range of width sixes.

Portions 117, 118 are in pine over the top of the foot and attached onthe medial 21, 22 and lateral sides 50, 51, 104, 105 of the embodiments,it is understood 117, 118 may continue under the footwear as well. It isunderstood an adjustable mechanism like 117, 118 over the top of thefoot may not be attached to FIGS. 24A, 25A, 26A, 27A or other footwearand may be a separate entity and mechanism. It is also understood aseparate entity with portions 117, 118 can also have additional portionsunder the foot. It is also understood existing devices that wrapentirely around the circumference, of the foot with portions like 117,118 and portions under the foot can be used with attached to, overlap,or placed within footwear of the invention. It is also understood themechanism tightening over the top of the foot can also be laces or otherclosure devices, such as shoelaces on the outside of shoes, it is alsounderstood footwear of the invention with or without attachments like117, 118 can be the featured aspect of the invention's design,manufacture and marketing.

The material of 117, 118 can be stretchable elastic, a material withlaces or another type of adjustable fastener. It can adjust to therequired tightness or looseness over the top of the foot and assist inholding portions of the footwear beside and under the foot in position.However the tightness or looseness of 117, 118 and similar mechanismsmentioned above are relatively independent of the tightness or loosenessof the remainder 21, 22, 50, 51, 52, 104, 105, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116of the footwear and embodiments in FIGS. 24A, 25A, 26A, 27A and otherembodiments. Therefore the tightness or looseness on the lateral andmedial sides of the foot can be adjusted separately from the tightnessor looseness over the top of the foot.

In alternate embodiments, the ability to adjust the tightness orlooseness on the lateral and medial sides of the foot relativelyindependent of the tightness or looseness over the top of the footallows the wearer to utilize the loosening and tightening capabilitiesof the footwear with or without attachments 117, 118 and or similarmechanism.

It is understood many embodiments of the invention may be combined bythe manufacturer or the consumer with an entity and or mechanism thatgoes over the top of the foot similar to 117, 118 and also may continueunderneath the foot wrapping the circumference of the forefoot infootwear.

The embodiment of FIG. 28 has three pieces 119, 120, 86. Piece 119 hasupper and lower holes 121, 121A that plug 123 of piece 120 can tit intoto adjust the width of FIG. 28 and upper and lower holes 122, 122A thatplug 124 of 86 can fit into to adjust to the angle of the firstmetatarsal of footwear. Piece 120 has portions 50, 51 and 123 to adjustto the angle of the fifth metatarsal 31. Piece 86 has portions 21, 22and 124 to adjust to the angle of the first metatarsal 32 of footwear.Portions 121, 121A, 122, 122A, 123, 124 are polygons allowing them toadjust to angles. It is understood that in footwear there can be otherconfigurations that can allow them to adjust to angles. In footwearportions 121, 121A, 122, 122A, 123, 124 may be circular to change anglesas the angles of the first and fifth metatarsal bones change anglesduring forward movement. The upper of footwear includes 21, 50, whilethe remainder is in the sole.

The embodiment of FIG. 29 has three pieces 125, 126, 86. Piece 125 hasupper and lower holes 127, 127A that plug 129 of piece 126 can fit intoto adjust the width of FIG. 29 and upper and lower holes 128, 128A thatplug 130 can fit into to adjust to the angle of the first metatarsal offootwear. Piece 126 has portions 104, 105 and 129 to adjust to the angleof the fifth metatarsal 31. Piece 86 has portions 21, 22 and plug 130 toadjust to the angle of the first metatarsal 32. Portions 127, 127A, 128,128A, 129, 130 are polygons allowing them to adjust to angles. It isunderstood that in footwear there can be other configurations that canallow them to adjust to angles. Portions 127, 127A, 128, 128A, 129, 130can be circular to change angles as the angles of the first and fifthmetatarsal bones chance angles during forward movement. The upper offootwear includes 21, 104, while the remainder is in the sole.

The embodiment of FIG. 28A is a cutaway view of FIG. 28 with the threepieces 119, 120, 86 separated. Arrows 131, 132 point toward holes 121,121A, 122, 122A into which plugs 123, 124 respectively fit. Arrow 133shows a possible way of inserting piece 120 into piece 119. In footwearit is understood plug 123 of piece 120 has a choice of holes 121, 121Ain piece 119 to adjust the width of the embodiment FIGS. 28, 28A. Plug123 of piece 120 has a rounded top and bottom portion to allow plug 123to fit easily into holes 121, 121A of piece 119. Ping 124 of piece 86has a flat top and bottom portion. Arrow 134 shows a possible way ofinserting piece 86 into piece 119. Plug 124 may be inserted in holes122, 122A by the manufacturer. It is understood in footwear similarmultiple holes 121, 121A and plug 123 on the lateral side may be on themedial side in embodiments. It is understood in footwear similar singleholes 122, 122A and plug 124 on the medial side may be on the lateralside in embodiments.

The embodiment of FIG. 29A is a cutaway view of FIG. 29 with the threepieces 125, 126, 86 separated. Arrows 135, 136 point toward holes 127,127A 128, 128A into which plugs 129, 130 respectively fit. Arrow 137shows a possible way of inserting piece 126 into piece 125. It isunderstood in footwear plug 129 of piece 126 has a choice of holes 127,127A in piece 125 to adjust the width of the embodiment FIGS. 29, 29A.Plug 129 of piece 126 has a rounded to and bottom portion to allow plug129 to tit easily into holes 127, 127A of piece 125. Plug 130 of piece86 has a flat top and bottom portion. Plug 130 may be inserted in holes128, 128A of footwear by the manufacturer. Arrow 138 shows a possibleway of inserting piece 86 into piece 125. It is understood in footwearsimilar multiple holes 127, 127A on the lateral side may be on themedial side in embodiments. It is understood in footwear similar singleholes 128, 128A and plug 130 on the medial side may be on the lateralside in embodiments.

The embodiment of FIG. 30 has three pieces 139, 140, 141. Piece 139 hasupper and lower holes 142, 142A that plug 144 of piece 140 can fit intoto adjust the width of FIG. 30 at the middle of the fifth metatarsal.FIG. 30 has upper and lower holes 143, 143A of piece 139 that plug 145of piece 141 can fit into to adjust to the width of FIG. 30 between thebase of the fifth metatarsal and the first metatarsal 32. Piece 140 hasportions 104, 105 and plug 144 to adjust to the angle of the fifthmetatarsal 31 forward of its rear base. Portions 142, 142A 143, 143A144, 145 are polygons allowing them to adjust to angles. It isunderstood in footwear there can be other configurations that can allowthem to adjust to angles. Portions 142, 142A 143, 143A 144, 145 can becircular to change angles as the angles of the first and fifthmetatarsal one change angles during forward movement. FIG. 30 shows across foot triangulation between part 141, 140 on the lateral side and139 on the medial. This triangulation may stabilize the embodiment. Thestabilization may make footwear more effective. Sports and overuseinjuries occur all along the fifth metatarsal. Footwear may benefitathletes and others by providing support there before or after aninjury. Portions of footwear beside and/or below the fifth metatarsalmay be elongated towards or away from each other similar to the upsidedown “L” shape in paragraph [0027]. This footwear may have additionalportions, including towards the rear, to further stabilize it. The upperof footwear includes 21, 50, 104, while the remainder is in the sole.

The embodiment of FIG. 30A is a cutaway view of FIG. 30 with the threepieces 139, 140, 141 separated. Arrows 146, 147 point toward holes 142,142A 143, 143A into which plugs 144, 145 respectively fit. Arrows 148,149 show a possible way of inserting pieces 140, 141 respectively intopiece 139. It is understood plug 144 of piece 140 has a choice of holes142, 142A in piece 139 to adjust the width of the embodiments of FIGS.30, 30A. Plug 144 of piece 140 has a rounded top and bottom portion toallow plug 144 to fit easily into holes 142, 142A of piece 140. Plug 145of piece 141 has a rounded top and bottom portion to allow plug 145 tofit easily into holes 143, 143A of piece 139.

The following embodiments select the rear and forefoot and arch forstructural features in footwear made from plastic and plastic likematerial, rather than covering over the whole shoe sole with cushioningfoam and or cushioning plastic.

The rear foot and forefoot are often areas in need of structures and offoot discomfort. The rear foot receives the greatest impact. Theforefoot receives a change of direction of the foot and maximum flexingof the foot, combined with the thinnest bones, resulting in added stressto the joints there. Therefore the following embodiments rely on shookabsorption for these areas of footwear, while cushioning can adequatelyserve the other areas.

In a form of athletic shoe construction the completed upper is in aninjection mold cavity where foam is shot into it to create the shape ofthe shoe sole and adhere it to the upper. If the footwear is a unitlocated in the upper and/or in the sole in other embodiments as well, asin FIG. 31 and cutaways FIG. 32, FIG. 33, FIG. 33A, the injection moldmaterial can be formed around it in the shoe sole.

FIG. 31 shows a top view of footwear with cutaways FIGS. 32, 33, 33A.Shown in dashed lines are an outline of the foot 10 and an insole 29, anunderneath portion of the counter 41 and an above portion 24. Bones ofthe foot are in thinner and shorter dashed lines. FIG. 31 shows portion150, 150A above portion 151, 151A of FIG. 32. FIGS. 33, 33A are shown inFIG. 31 with portion 152, 21, 22, 50, 51 on top of portion 153, 153A,153B.

In the embodiment of FIG. 32 plastic or plastic like material and/ormetal is shown across sides of the rear foot with a convex portion 150and a concave strike plate 151 that acts as a runner for the sides ofconvex portion 150 of footwear. The downward pressure 154 on the convexportion of 150 by foot impact almost simultaneously reacts back uptoward the counter area and 150A of 150 of footwear. This may stabilizethe ankle by pressing the counter upwards and inward towards the ankleand the calcaneus 30. The strike plate 151 utilizes the impact of thedownward pressure 154 on 150 to deflect and thereby circulate thedownward pressure over to the sides and back upwards to the portion 150Athat may be connected to the counter 24. Resistance to downward pressure154 is provided by 151, 151A to 150 and 150A, which may absorb some ofthe impact on the calcaneus 30. The absorption of impact by the footwearis compatible with the cushioning provided by the often used midsolefoam material 155, indicated in dashed lines.

Portion 150 flexes downward, spreading and transferring the downwardpressure 154 down its sides to the corners on both the lateral and themedial sides 156. Convex shape 150 diminishes in height and spreadssideways transferring sideways directional force into 151 and 151A.Portions 151, 151A of the embodiment are then in tension and resists thedownward pressure across the strike plate 151 and at its corners 157which remain rounded on the medial and lateral sides 151A. Theoverwhelming resistance of portions 151, 151A forces the rounded cornerson the lateral and medial sides 156 of 150 to press against 151A of 151and move up both sides of 151A. The downward pressure 154 is transferredinto 150 then 151, then to 151A. The resistance of 151A of portion 151allows portion 150A of 150 to rock up and back with the changes indownward pressure, indicated by two headed arrow 158. Areas 151A mayrequire additional support and or shims.

The redirection of the downward pressure 154 in footwear back up thesides 150A may support the calcaneus 30 and the ankle during forwardmotion. This is a process of transfer of downward pressure to sidewaysdirectional force creating tension and directional force back upwards infootwear. Tension is in 150, 150A. It can be a circular motion that endsby bracing the rear of the foot and begins again with the impact of therear of the foot again striking the around plane of footwear.

With its attachment to both the upper and the sole, its integration ofthe differences between foot and footwear and its bio-mechanicalutility, the footwear may become the organizing structure around whichfootwear is manufactured. For example, portion 150 of the embodimentcombined with side portions 150A can be part of a shoe counter portionand part of the shoe sole, with portion 151, 151A as well.

Other footwear may include the convex form 150 with corners 156 withoutits upward facing sides 150A, but with the striking plate 151 with itsupward facing sides 151A. In this footwear, downward pressure 154 forcescorners 156 to strike the lateral and medial sides of 151A. When thedownward pressure 154 is removed the sides of the convex form 150 rockback 158 towards the center and the convex form 150 returns to itsresting height and position above strike plate portion 151.

Other footwear may include a convex form 150 and strike plate platform151 without sides 151A.

In other footwear portions 150, 151 without 150A, are joined on bothsides respectively at 156 and the topmost points of 151A. When downwardpressure is placed at the apex of 150 this form flattens somewhat at theapex distributing downward pressure to the sides. This relieves somepressure to the calcaneus 30 directly above the apex of 150 and moves itto the more pliable flesh at the sides of the heel. Heel spurs may occurat the heel due to extremes of downward pressure at foot to groundimpact. By moving the downward pressure to the sides and the morepliable flesh heel spurs may be less likely.

FIGS. 33, 33A are cutaway views of the forefoot area of a footwear andfoot shown in FIG. 31. The bones of the foot shown in dashed lines arethe fifth metatarsal 31, first metatarsal 32, fourth metatarsal 36,third metatarsal 37, and second metatarsal 38. Dashed lines also showthe midsole 155, which may be foam or plastic, the bottom sole 159,FIGS. 33, 33A solid lines include the embodiment portion 152, 21, 22,50, 51 and portion 153 with 153A on the lateral side and 153B on themedial.

FIG. 33A is a larger cutaway view version of FIG. 33 of the forefootarea of footwear and forefoot hones indicated in FIG. 31. FIG. 33Aindicates downward pressure 160 from the forefoot onto portion 152 ofthe embodiment. The downward pressure is transferred from portion 152along vector arrows 161 on the lateral and 162 on the medial sides offootwear. Portion 152 flexes downward transferring the downward pressuredown its sides to the corners on both the lateral 163 and the medial 164sides. It is understood these corners 163, 164 can be curved to allow arocking, motion 165 of the corners portions of 152 on the lateral andmedial sides of footwear.

Portion 153 of FIG. 33A contains rounded portions 166 on the lateral and167 on the medial side of 153. Portion 153 of the embodiment resists thedownward pressure from 152 at its corners on the lateral 166 and medial167 sides. The overwhelming resistance of these corners of portion 153forces the rounded corners on the lateral 163 and medial sides 164 of152 against and up both sides, 153A on the lateral, and 153B on themedial of 153. Portion 163 or 152 rocks up and back 165 along thelateral side of 153A, and 164 of 152 rocks up and back 165 along themedia side of 153B of 153 of footwear. As a result, 50, 22 may moveupward and curl inward providing an opposing force to the directionalforces 15 in FIGS. 1 and 17, 18 in FIG. 2, during a footstep. Thisopposing force may increase tension and add additional support andbracing to the forefoot area of the footwear.

The amount of rocking motion 165, in the structures of FIGS. 32, 33, 33Aon be calibrated by the shape and strength of the material of footwearin relation to the downward pressure. Downward pressure then sidewaysand then back up the sides with the rocking motion 165 dissipates andabsorbs shock to the foot in motion. In embodiment 33, 33A thisdissipation and shock absorption to the foot in motion occurs inaddition to the dissipation and shock achieved in forefoot areas ofprevious embodiments.

Other footwear structure in the forefoot area is achieved by theinclusion of convex form 152 without its upward facing sides 21, 50 andwith the striking plate 152 with its upward facing sides 153A, 153B, inthis footwear portion 152 strikes the platform 153 with downwardpressure, flexes downward and slides out towards the sides wheremomentum is absorbed by 153A 153B. When the downward pressure is removedthe sides of the convex form 152 slide back towards the center offootwear and the convex form 152 returns to its resting height andposition above portion 153.

Other footwear may include a convex form 152 and strike plate platform153 without sides 153A 153B.

in other footwear portions 152, 153 are joined on both sides without 21,50, 153A, 153B. Corners 163 on the lateral and 164 on the medial arejoined to both ends of 153 that no longer has portions 153A, 153B. Whendownward pressure is placed at the apex of 152 it flattens somewhat atthe apex distributing downward pressure to the sides. This relieves somepressure to the metatarsals directly above the apex of 152.

The placement of these embodiments in the forefoot just behind themetatarsals heads can provide a biomechanical solution similar to foamcushioning solutions currently in use for forefoot pain. Thesecushioning solutions, mentioned above, have built up areas of foam orrubbery material just behind the metatarsal heads for support of areasof pain at the metatarsal heads. The convex structures of embodiments inthe forefoot of footwear could work with and/or replace the foamcushioned solutions.

It is understood 150, 151, 152, 153 can be applied in other footwear. Itis understood portions 150, 151, 152, 153 can be portions of a shoe soleand function independently of portions 150A, 21, 51. Further, portions150, 151, 152, 153 can be a part of a shoe sole without 150A, 21, 51.

Other footwear may include a convex form similar to 152 and strike plateplatform similar to 153 without sides 153A, 153B. This may be placed ina different location along the length of the foot on the medial side.This is unlike the placement of FIGS. 32-33A which are placed across thewidth of the foot. This footwear may support the arch of the foot on themedial side that proceeds from the rear area of the foot forward. Infootwear this structure may have components that the rear foot andforefoot structures. Further, in this footwear and others withstructures of the invention, these structures may be replaceable andadjustable to differing feet and amounts of downward pressure.

Other footwear-with a convex portion on top of a strike plate may alsobe placed in similar locations in the rear foot, forefoot and medialarch. This footwear may have an additional connection at the convexshape and/or strike plate to a third point farther towards the innermiddle of the foot. This connector point is similar to a hinge thatallows down and back up compression and tension while remainingrelatively stationary. This third point connector hinge creates asomewhat horizontal triangulated shape to the structure of footwear.While the original vertical triangulation of the convex top and itsstable bottom at the strike plate remains. In these and other footwearwith a convex shape and strike plate the convex shape may be a dome orpartial dome shape.

Further, two or more of these rear foot, medial arch and forefootstructures may be connected near or at their connected hinges. This canbe for the purpose of the transfer of force to act upon the compressionand directional force from the foot above. Further, as the greatestimpact is at the rear foot, the rear foot embodiment alone may be atransmitter of force to another or other structures forward of it in thefoot. Further, in some footwear curled springs in the rear foot convexsides may be added to or replace the sides.

It is understood the materials and configurations of footwear in theupper and sole may be of different qualities, but function within theutilization of the tension and compression of the invention. They may bephysically connected or not while performing their functions.

It is understood the material of the embodiments of FIGS. 3-33A andalternates may be composed of material such that there may be it methodof fabrication that would allow consumer and/or professional to adjustthe footwear to the consumer. Further, it is understood portions ofembodiments that are in FIGS. 3-33A may be made of material such thatthe substantially horizontal width and substantially vertical angling ofan embodiment that adjusts to the angle of the first and fifthmetatarsal may be folded up vertically, or by another means by a footprofessional or by a consumer in order to fit the footwear to both thewidth of the foot and the angle of the metatarsals. This custom fittingby a consumer or professional may eliminate the need in footwear forwidth sizing and angling adjustments by the manufacturer. Further,remaining excess portions or portions too large or the consumer's footmay be pre-scored to be snapped off or snipped off by a toenail clipperor other tool.

Footwear of the invention can bring the stability of the rearfoot to theflexibility of the forefoot by interactively connecting area fartherback in the foot to the forefoot. FIGS. 34, 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D show theutilization of the rearfoot point of triangulation in conjunction withthe two forefoot points to manage triangulation. This footwear utilizesthe interactivity of all three points of support of the foot and theadherence of the invention to this activity of the foot in order tomanage the fool's triangulation. There are various footwear devices ofthe invention which result in the same method for managing triangulationof the foot. It is understood there are many ways to utilize therearfoot downward pressure to affect the forefoot to absorb shock,sustain the foot and manage triangulation.

FIG. 34 and FIGS. 34A, 34B, 34C and 34D show an embodiment with bonesand outline of the foot in dashed lines. The embodiment utilizes thedownward pressure of the foot on the spring action element 154 of 150Bto transfer force from the rearfoot to the forefoot to absorb shock,brace and support the bones of the foot and limit foot spreading. Thedownward pressure encounters 154 which spreads lateral arm 168 andmedial arm 169 away from each other as indicated at 175. As the arms 168and 169 spread outward they encounter pivot points 170 and 171 shown inFIG. 34B. Portion 172 alters the outward force to inward shown in arrows176 with posts 173, 174 shown in FIG. 34C. Forward arms 168 on thelateral and 169 on the medial encounter upper portion 50 at the fifthmetatarsal and 21 at the first. FIG. 34D shows cut through 178A withupper portions 50 on the lateral site and 21 on the medial. Sole portion51 on the lateral and 22 on the medial are also shown. The footwearcontacts the spreading foot as the impact force moves forward. Thefootwear braces and supports the foot in motion. In FIG. 34D upperportions 50, 51 on the lateral and 21, 22 on the medial brace andsupport said contacted foot.

There can be sufficient material in the sole of the footwear to sustainthe foot, provide bracing and support without sole portions 51 on thelateral and 22 on the medial. It is understood in other footwear of theinvention solo material may or not be under the fifth and firstmetatarsal. It is understood footwear may include one or the other ofarms 168 and 169 with posts 173 or 174 connected to pivot points 170 and171 respectively in a spanning layer or strike plate.

For different shoe sizes embodiment FIG. 35 has width settings 194 in arange from 6 to 9. It is set to shoe size seven. Adjustment portions arein the rear of the foot. This embodiment has two parts: a lateral arm 76and medial arm 77. Outer portion of swivel 72 is part of arm 76 andinner swivel 73 is part of 77. For different shoe sizes top portion 76with slots 195 can fit over bottom portion 77 with plugs 196. Tension inportions 50 and 21 provide support and bracing for the foot. Fordifferent shoe sizes FIG. 35A has width settings 197 in a range horn 6to 9 and is set to shoe size seven. This embodiment has three parts; alateral arm 76 medial arm 77 and a spring 199. Four slots 198 in topportion are wider than slots in FIG. 35 to accommodate a variance inpressure of the expandable spring 199 shown in horizontal cut throughFIG. 35B. Variance in sideways directional pressure is accommodated bythe longer slots 198 in conjunction with the action of the expandingspring 199 and tension in upper portions 50 and 21. Cut through viewFIG. 35C shown in view FIG. 35B line 200 shows swivel arm portion 72above lower arm 73 of swivel and expandable spring 199. Footwear mayhave a portion that responds to downward pressure in the rearfoot area.As pressure is applied there the lateral and the medial arms lock inplace. Downward pressure moves forward to the midfoot and forefoot. Asthe midfoot and forefoot spread they encounter one or both locked armsand tension in the footwear uppers brace the foot and absorb shock. Asthe pressure diminishes the locking mechanism disengages.

It is understood settings can be set by the consumer, and/or theretailer and/or by the manufacturer. It is understood other footwear canprovide adjustments for the foot in conjunction with a spring.Including, but not limited to a footwear device with a spring and acollar. The spring inside a swivel expands to an adjustable collar in ashoe size around the swivel. As the spring expands to the user's shoesize it encounters the flexible collar. With downward pressure the footspreads and the adjustable collar creates tension in the arms bracingand supporting the forefoot along with the tension created in thevertical uppers in the forefoot. Flexible collars can be provided forspecific shoe sizes and tension required and fitted to standard footweardevices.

FIGS. 36, 36A, 36B, 36C show an embodiment with foldable forefoot upperportions. Downward pressure on the sole of footwear of the inventionwill continue to brace and support the foot whether or not there is asole portion attached to a vertical upper at the metatarsals. FIG. 36shows the forefoot uppers 50, 21 in vertical position. FIG. 36B showsadjustable lateral upper 201 and medial upper 202 in vertical positionas in FIG. 36, FIG. 36A shows the forefoot uppers 50, 21 in horizontalposition. FIG. 36C shows adjustable lateral upper 203 and medial upper204 in horizontal position as in FIG. 36A. Footwear of the invention canbe arranged in ways to accommodate both vertical and horizontalpositions of the forefoot uppers. This includes footwear allowing,removal, replacement and/or custom made attachments to the lateral andmedial arms. Multiple attachments for footwear can be made. Attachmentscan be made for specific sports, players or tension required. Lateraland medial arms, custom made or not can be made to attach to standardrearward adjustable parts of footwear. This may include a fine tuning atthe tension in the rearward portion and the forefoot to accommodatedifferences in feet, needs for specific sports and weight of the user.Other customizable footwear options and attachments are possible as wellas factory options.

Cut through line 186 in embodiment FIG. 37 is shown in FIGS. 37A, 37B,37C, 37D, 37E. Embodiment FIG. 37 with width adjustments 180, 181 underthe foot, can be a sandal. Portion 185 in dashed lines over the top ofthe foot can be adjustable. Section 186 in FIG. 37 shows all our parts,FIGS. 37, 37A, 37B, 37C, 37D, 37E, show a soft foam or other cushioningmaterial sole 179. In FIG. 37A arrows 182 show harder material 181moving down into similar hard material 180. They both move down,indicated in arrow 183 to rest in cushioning sole 179. With the foot inplace in the sandal 181 is then beside the fifth metatarsal 31 andportion 180 is then beside the first metatarsal 32. The width of thematerial of 181 beside the fifth metatarsal can extend farther forwardto the forefoot and rearward toward the rear of the foot. Also, portion180 beside the first metatarsal can extend rearward to the arch and/orfarther forward. Further, the sandal can be modified by adding a loopover the big toe. In FIG. 37B arrow 184 indicates the sliding of thefootwear from the fifth metatarsal towards the first to lock it intoplace. FIG. 37C arrow 187 shows the direction of movement portion 181 tolock the sandal into place. Arrow 188 shows one of three locking stops.FIG. 37D line 189 shows the width sizing portion 181 in place closer tothe medial side than FIG. 37C. FIG. 37D shows portion 181 after 181 inFIG. 37C has been backed up towards the lateral, removed and replaced ata tighter setting towards the medial side of the foot. Optional shim 190shown in FIG. 37D and FIG. 37E can be in place to keep the width sizingportion from sliding back to the lateral side. With the shim 190 inplace in FIG. 37E footstep movement is towards the medial side arrow 191and the sandal is in its most securely locked place. With foot positionat the extreme of downward pressure arrow 192 in the forefoot thelocking device and the foot are in conjunction to sustain the foot. Theextreme of pressure is removed and the invention remains in place on thefoot arrow 193. As the weight moves to other foot on the lateral sidethe shim keeps the lock from sliding out of position. The ability of thefootwear to sustain the foot remains. The mechanism of the invention isbest held in place by the lateral to medial sideways motion of afootstep and mimics the motion of the foot. Harder or softer materialcan be used in footwear of the invention while the method for managingtriangulation remains as in FIGS. 37, 37A, 37B, 37C, 37D, 37E.

FIGS. 38, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D show an embodiment with a combination offeatures including width adjustments for shoe sizes 6 to 9 as shown inFIG. 35. FIGS. 38, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D show adjustment of length oflateral arm 207, 209 and medial arm 208, 210. FIGS. 38B, 38C cut through214 on the lateral side of 207 shows one 211 of three protrusionspassing through an adjustment slot in 209 on the lateral side. FIGS.38B, 38D cut through 215 on the medial side of 210 shows one 212 solidportion in between the slots. Protrusions and adjustment slots may be onboth lateral and medial arms on both sides. There are many ways forfootwear to make adjustments for the length of footwear of theinvention.

FIG. 39 on the lateral side shows the fifth metatarsal 31, the cuboidbone 40. On the medial side the first metatarsal 32. Shown in embodimentFIG. 39 at the end of lateral arm 216 are portions 218, 219 beside thefifth metatarsal and the cuboid bone respectively. Arrow 221 indicatesthe empty space surrounded by upper portions 218, 219 and sole portion220. Upper portions 218, 219 can provide equal tension to the cuboid andfifth metatarsal and/or provide unequal tension. It is understood as thedownward pressure moves forward and towards the lateral side during afootstep the requirements for foot bracing and support varies along thefootstep. As a result, footwear portions 218, 219, 220 may be wider ornarrower, thicker or thinner and be made of plastic like materialproviding more or less tension. Sole portion 220 can extend under thecuboid bone 40 and fifth metatarsal 31 farther in each direction andwider in portions. It is understood empty space 221 in footwear mayincrease or decrease according to the needs of the material and itsplacement.

The rearfoot area is stable in comparison to the flexibility of theforefoot. The calcanoecuboid joint of the foot on the lateral sidebetween the calcaneus and cuboid bones may lock before the transition tothe medial side occurs. This may stabilize the lateral side during afootstep. The lateral longitudinal arch of the foot absorbs shock there.In its center is the tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal, the recipientof the absorbed shock and the last point before transition across to themedial side. The fifth metatarsal is the second point of foottriangulation. Downward pressure in the rearfoot combined with theaction of the calcanoecuboid joint holds the footwear as the footwear inturn sustains the cuboid and the fifth metatarsal as the transitionacross to the medial occurs.

Embodiments FIGS. 39, 40 show on the lateral side upper portions 219,226 respectively beside the cuboid hone and sole portion 220 in FIG. 39below the cuboid. FIGS. 39, 40 on the lateral sides show upper portions218, 225 respectively beside the fifth metatarsal 31. FIG. 40 showsportion 227 lower down and beside the fifth metatarsal. The calcaneus tothe cuboid is a stable connection on the lateral side of the foot.Connecting footwear to the fifth metatarsal and the cuboid in FIG. 39,40 by portions 218, 219, 220 in FIGS. 39 and 225, 226, 227 in FIG. 40further stabilizes the lateral side of the foot. Footwear with thisand/or a similar connection on the lateral side can absorb shock, bracethe foot in motion and manage triangulation.

At the end of medial arm 217 on the medial side of FIG. 39 upper Portion222 and solo portion 223 are shown. Empty space is indicated by arrow224. Upper portion 222 can provide equal tension to the firstmetatarsal. It is understood as the downward pressure moves forward andtowards the medial side during a footstep the requirement for bracingand support along the root varies. As a result, portions 222, 223 may bewider or narrower, thicker or thinner and be made of plastic likematerial providing more or less tension to the foot. Sole portion 223can extend farther rearward and forward. It is understood empty space224 may increase or decrease according to the needs of the material andits placement. It is understood there may be a solid connection acrossthe foot in footwear between empty space 221 on the lateral side and 224on the medial. Also across the foot in footwear from lateral side at 227to 232.

FIG. 40 on the lateral side shows the fifth metatarsal 31, the cuboidbone 40. On the medial side of FIG. 40 are the first metatarsal 32 andarrow 39 indicating the joint at the base of the rearward portion of thefirst metatarsal 32. Upper portions of embodiment FIG. 40 shows 225,225, 227 on the lateral side. Arrow 228 indicates the empty space. Atthe end of lateral arm 229 portions 225, 226 are beside the fifthmetatarsal and the cuboid bone respectively. With portion 227 alsobeside the cuboid and the fifth metatarsal. Arrow 228 indicates theempty space surrounded by upper portions 225, 226, 227. Footwear withupper portions 225, 226, 227 can Provide equal tension to the cuboid andfifth metatarsal and/or provide unequal tension. It is understood as thedownward pressure moves forward and towards the lateral side during afootstep the requirements for foot bracing and support varies along thefootstep. As a result footwear with portions 225, 226, 227 may be wideror narrower, thicker or thinner and be made of plastic, like materialproviding more or less tension. It is understood empty space 228 mayincrease or decrease according to the needs of the material, itsplacement and the footwear.

At the end of medial arm 230 on the medial side of embodiment FIG. 40upper portions 231, 232 are shown. Empty space is indicated by arrow233. Upper portions 231, 232 can provide equal tension to the firstmetatarsal 32. It is understood as the downward pressure moves forwardand towards the medial side during it footstep the requirement forbracing and support along the foot varies. As a result, footwearportions 231, 232 may be wider or narrower, thicker or thinner and bemade of plastic and or plastic like material providing more or lesstension to the foot. It is understood empty space 233 may increasebeyond the joint 39 at the base of the first metatarsal or decreaseaccording to the needs of the material and its placement in thefootwear.

Footwear of the invention has shock absorbing elements and is notdependent on cushioning material as are many shoes with conventionalmidsole foam. Midsole foam and other conventional midsole cushioningmaterials can be layered but may not have the structural integrity ofconstructed plastic and plastic like material of the invention thatabsorbs shock. The plastic and plastic like material of the footwear mayallow for elastic deformation providing shock absorption to portions ofthe foot longer than conventional midsole foam that takes a compressionset. Footwear of the invention may be combined with or without currentconventional foam cushioning material.

FIG. 41 shows an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 41 includes calcaneusbone 30 and first metatarsal 32. It also shows areas employingconventional midsole foam 155 and bottom sole 159. FIG. 41 showsfootwear support structure 234 of the invention under the foot infootwear. FIG. 41 shows the downward pressure 54 on footwear device 234.Structure 234 presses downward and gains force as downward pressurereaches its maximum. Downward pressure creates tension in footwearsupport structure 234 as the material provides resistance. The resultingtension is a shock absorber for the foot. The material begins to retardto its original shape pushing no in tension to support the rear of thefoot. FIG. 42 shows additional supportive shock absorbing elasticdeformation elements 235 in the rearfoot and 236 in and near theforefoot.

FIG. 43 shows an embodiment oldie invention. FIG. 43 includes calcaneusbone 30 and first metatarsal 32, it also shows areas employingconventional midsole foam 155 and bottom sole 159. FIG. 43 showsfootwear support structure 234 of the invention under the foot infootwear. FIG. 43 shows the downward pressure 154 on footwear supportstructure 234. FIG. 43 shows cut through view 237 in FIG. 44. FIG. 44shows additional supportive shock absorbing elastic deformation elements235 wrapped around the medial and lateral sides for additional elasticdeformation that may compensate for pronation on the medial andsupronation on the lateral side of the rearfoot. Cut through 238 in FIG.45 shows additional supportive shock absorbing elastic deformationelements 236 wrapped around the medial and lateral sides for additionalelastic deformation that may compensate for pronation on the medial andsupronation on the lateral side of the forefoot.

FIG. 46 shows a top view of 234A at cut through 239 and a bottom view234B at cut through 240. Thickness and composition of the material mayvary according to the amount of downward pressure applied to the area.Shown in FIG. 47 at 234A are top views of additional elastic deformationelements 235A in the rearfoot and 236A forward on or near the forefoot.Shown in FIG. 48 at 234B are top views of additional elastic deformationelements 235B in the rearfoot and 236B forward on or near the forefoot.The thickness and composition of the material may vary according to theamount of downward pressure applied to the area.

FIG. 49 shows an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 49 includes calcaneusbone 30 and first metatarsal 32. It also shows areas employingconventional midsole foam 155 and bottom sole material 159. FIG. 49shows structural support device 241 of the invention under the foot infootwear. FIG. 49 shows the downward pressure 154 on the footwearsupport structure 241. FIG. 50 shows cut through view 242 of 241 in therear of the foot. FIG. 51 shows cut through view 243 of 241 on or nearthe arch. FIG. 52 shows cut through view 244 of 241 on or near theforefoot. Arrow 241A indicates the dashed line of a possible elementthat may follow the medial arch structure of a foot for support inconjunction with 241 during a footstep.

FIG. 53 shows an embodiment of the invention. Downward pressure 154 fromthe rear of the foot on footwear 245, 249, 250 activates compression andtension in the footwear support structure 245, 249, 250. Initial impactfrom a rearfoot foot-strike encounters 245 at double headed arrow 246.Rearfoot area on or near arrow 246 can collapse and recover its currentshape through elastic deformation of the footwear material of 245indicated by double headed arrow 246. Downward pressure forces moreforward corner area, noted by double headed arrow 248 to press downwardencountering strike plate 249. With 248 encountering the strike plate249 a limited area is formed between 246 and 248. The downward pressureon area 246 and 248 provides a shock absorbing platform for the rearfootcalcaneus area creating tension there in the material of the footwearsupport structure 245, 249, 250. The material of 245 in tension supportsthe downward pressure of the calcaneus. This area absorbs the shock ofdownward pressure 154 from the calcaneus 30 and gradually returns to itsoriginal shape and placement as downward pressure is removed. Area 248not only moves downward but also moves forward with the downwardpressure from the rearfoot and may encounter the rearward slope 264 ofstrike plate 249. Strike plate 249 meets resistance as it encountersmaterial 250. As this happens bottom valley of 248 climbs up rearwardslope of 249 at 264, thereby supporting the medial arch of the foot.This material of 249, 250 may be the same, similar or different from245. It may be flexible to allow for the bending of the footwear andhold 245 in place as well. Double headed arrows 252, 253, 254, 255indicate the spreading of 245. Forward slope of 251 exerts downwardpressure on the valley between 251 and 256. This puts the rearward slopeof 256 in tension as pressure from the peak of 256 also exerts downwardpressure, stretching rearward slope of 256 in tension. Double headedarrow 255 indicates forward movement, of peak area 256 of 245. The reararea of 256 in tension may push out the forward slope of 256 incompression. This may provide support for the metatarsal area indicatedby 257 as they move forward as well. It is understood that as a footsteplands on a surface it spreads sideways, slides forward and backward.Forward foot motion indicated by the forward points of two headed arrowsare greater in the foot and the footwear of the invention than rearwardmotion. Forward and rearward motion is indicated by 252, 253, 254, 255.This motion is also shown in the foot in FIG. 2 two headed arrows 17,18, 19, 20. This indicates the action of the footwear support structure245, 249, 250 may mimic the action of a footstep. FIG. 54 shows cutthrough views of FIGS. 55, 56 indicated by arrows 260, 261 showing thetop 258 and bottom 259 of footwear support structure. 245, 249, 250. Itis understood these footwear configurations may vary according tobio-mechanical design.

FIG. 57 shows embodiment 262 with outer portion 263 inner portion 245and strike plate 249. The addition of outer portion 263 of footwearsupport structure 262, in FIG. 57 may provide possibilities forstructural stability by integrating differing qualities of materials andplacement above in the upper and below in the sole. It is understood allthe materials of the footwear support structures may be arranged andconstructed to integrate the upper and shoe sole thereby conforming tothe best biomechanical solutions and the anatomy of the foot. FIGS. 58,59, 60 shows cut through views of the rearfoot portion of 262 arrows 265arch portion 266 and forefoot portion 267. It is understood portions245, 263 may wrap around the medial and lateral sides for additionalelastic deformation at differing or the same places as similarly shownin FIGS. 44, 45.

The more cushioning in the footwear the less stable, but the softer theride. The less cushioning in the footwear the more stable, but theharder the ride. The height and compressibility of the foam midsolematerial may increase any deviation in stability. The most stability isachieved in foam midsole footwear when it is first worn. It graduallydecreases in its cushioning ability and increases its instability as itscushioning diminishes. The height of the area opposite the unstableportion may remain highest while the most compression set is taken atthe side that is unstable, lowest and with the most compression set. Thelower, already unstable side becomes more unstable with increasedcompression set and is more susceptible to further instability andinjury.

Pronation occurs as the foot leans towards the medial side andsupronation occurs as the foot leans to the lateral side. Some pronationand supronation are normal. These two can be increased to an injury morerapidly by running rather than walking. Footwear of the invention eonprovide limited compensation to either the medial side for pronation orthe lateral side for supronation. This can be done in the rearfoot forpronation by stiffening 245A on the medial side shown in FIGS. 61, 62and 245B on the lateral side for supronation shown in FIG. 62. This canbe done in the forefoot by stiffening 245C on the medial side shown inFIGS. 61, 63 for pronation and 245D on the lateral side shown in FIG.63. Weakening of the opposite side may also be possible while stillretaining the shock absorption of the footwear support structure in therearfoot and forefoot. Stiffening or weakening any footwear materialportion of the invention is possible to compensate for pronation orsupronation and differences of foot strike.

FIG. 61 shows an embodiment 245, 249, 250 of the invention. Portions268, 268A, 24 shown in FIG. 62 in the rearfoot in cut through 270 at thecalcaneus. Portions 269, 259A, 21, 50 are shown in FIG. 63 in theforefoot in cut through 271 beside the first metatarsal on the medialand the fifth metatarsal and/or cuboid on the lateral. These showfootwear support elements above the midsole, that are supported andbraced by compressive force from bottom and midsole area 245, 245A, 245Bin 270 and 245, 245C, 245D in 271 as compressive force is transferred tothe upper area of footwear indicated by arrows 275, 275A. FIG. 62 cutthrough arrows 270 show downward pressure 154 encountering, the rearfootarea at the calcaneus and activating footwear support structure 245.Downward pressure forces medial side 245A and lateral side 245B outwardin tension indicated by arrow 273 on the medial and 273A on the lateral.This increases its rigidity there and may act as lever forcing 268, 268Aand counter 24 indicated in dashed lines inward to support the rearfootarea with compression. Also utilizing this rigidity as both a lever anda supporting structure is buttressing element 272 in the rearfoot medialside beginning at 245A shown in FIGS. 61 and 272A on the lateral sidebeginning at 245B shown in FIG. 62. This element 272, 272A is in thebottom and midsole area and up above 245 to the upper area of thefootwear. Arrows 275 on the medial and 275A on the lateral in FIG. 62show the direction of motion from midsole area 245A and 245B to thedirection of support arrows 274 and 274A indicating the direction ofinward support through compression on the medial and lateral sides ofthe rearfoot with 268, 268A, 24. This support to the rearfoot calcaneusarea in footwear may be most favorable at rearfoot impact and continuesduring a footstep. Similar supporting and buttressing elements to 272,272A utilizing tension and compression from the bottom and midsole tothe upper can be in the forefoot area in FIG. 63 footwear cut througharrow 271. Also 245, 245C, 245D, 276, 276A, 269, 269A and 21, 50 indashed lines in FIG. 63 utilize tension and compression as do otherareas of the footwear as required. Similar supporting elements utilizingtension and compression from the bottom and midsole to the upper areshown with accompanying text of FIGS. 31, 32, 33, 33A, 34, 34A, 34B,34C, 34D.

FIG. 64 shows an embodiment with cut through views 277, 278 shown inFIGS. 65, 66. FIG. 64 shows footwear support structure 245, 263, 249,250. The addition of 263 allows additional placement of material fordiffering support functions. FIGS. 64, 65, 66 show bottom and midsole,portions 263A, 263B, 263C, 263D connected to upper portions 24, 21, 50for support and bracing of the foot from the midsole to the upper of thefootwear in the rearfoot. FIG. 65 shows portions 268, 258A in dashedlines in the rearfoot at the calcaneus Call also support 24 throughcompression of 245A, 245B, 263A, 263B. The rigidity of the tensionedportions 263A, 263B combined with 245A, 245B are platforms rigid intension from downward pressure 154 that may support buttressing elementssimilar to 272, 272A in FIGS. 61, 62, 63. Similar buttressing elementsmay be in the forefoot FIGS. 64, 66. These portions may also support thefoot. FIG. 66 shows portions 269, 269A in dashed lines in the forefootbeside the first metatarsal on the medial and the fifth metatarsaland/or cuboid on the lateral to support the foot. It is understoodfurther support can be derived from buttresses similar to 272, 272Ashown in FIG. 62, FIGS. 64, 65, 66 show footwear support elements fromthe midsole, bottom sole area up to the upper area of footwear.

Conventional manufacture of footwear usually completes an upper and asole separately and then combines them. An integration of bottom sole,midsole and upper in footwear as a whole or selected parts enables newmethods for the manufacture of footwear that can include integration ofshock absorbing materials configured to the anatomy or the foot.Responses of areas of the foot in motion are integrated into footwearstructurally configured from plastic and plastic like materials withlimited elastic deformation flexing at upper portions. This allows thepossibility of integrating the upper and sole into a singlemanufacturing process. Footwear of the invention may be a singleinterior and exterior structure of differing, the same, or similarmaterials.

All area of a foot, are distinct and have their own function for humanmobility. From the rearfoot area to the forefoot area and bothlengthwise and widthwise footwear of the invention may support and bracethe foot and manage triangulation. The user can be provided footwearwith a calibrated transition along and across above and below in theunique ways encompassed by the invention.

Bipedal walking in humans is a specialized evolutionary developmentrelegating three bones of the foot, human calcaneus, fifth and firstmetatarsal bones to specific and different functions from earlierprimates. For the specialized and limited function of human walking andrunning, evolution has formed it sequential triangular pattern usingthree arches leading to three bones in an evolutionary adaption tobipedal ism. This adaption limits human's ability to do the variety ofthings primate ancestors can do with their limbs, but fortunately humansare gifted with the relatively recent special evolutionary skill ofbipedalism. The triangulation of these three bones became anevolutionary imperative used per the present invention to managetriangulation. Weight is a constant, downward pressure is a variableweight, farce changes the motion of an object, vector force is adirected force and opposability is two opposite forces in relation. Inthe invention, downward pressure, weight, and impact are synonymous withcompression and pushing. Tension is synonymous with pulling and pullingapart. Force, vector farce, directional force are initiators of anaction and cause a reaction. Opposability or elastic deformation(flexing) is synonymous with tension and compression (pulling andpushing). The action of footwear of the present invention is activatedby a footstep beginning at or near the calcaneus and the accompanyingdownward pressure-weight-compression-pushing sustains the footwear inplace. With the footwear in place and downwardpressure-weight-compression-pushing activated, it is found to be greaterin magnitude than directional force-vector force. This causes thefootwear to respond in tension-pulling apart. Tension-pulling causeselastic deformation changes in the shape of the material of thefootwear. As the tension is lessened the material responds incompression pushing back against the diminishing directional force. Withthe footwear material of the invention in elastic deformation it appliestension-pulling apart of the material and compression-pushing back ofthe material to the foot. Thereby vector forces of tension andcompression provide shock absorption to the foot during elasticdeformation. The robustness of the first and fifth metatarsals forhumans is recognized as is basis of a transition across the foot duringwalking and running. This movement from the lateral to the medial side,finds these two points at the borders of the foot. The ancestralprimates, (apes, chimpanzees) first, third and second, in this order arethe most robust, with the fifth metatarsal last in robustness. This maybe because the second and third are the last to leave the ground duringa footstep, suggesting the chimp's foot goes straight forward from theheel to toe. Evolution has taken approximately one million years to movethe opposability of the first and combined third and second metatarsalsin other primates over to the first and fifth metatarsals in humansresulting in effective bipedalism. Completion of the evolutionaryjourney finds the two forefoot opposable points in human bipedal ism andthe invention are the same, the fifth and first metatarsals. In walkingand running of the human bipedal foot the calcaneus, the first point oftriangulation activates the footwear, the fifth metatarsal pushes outlaterally in compression and pulls in medially in tension. In responseon the opposite side of the foot the first metatarsal pushes outmedially in compression and pulls in laterally in tension. When thefifth metatarsal of the foot is pushing out laterally in compression theinvention is pulling in medially in tension due to elastic deformationof the footwear material. When the first metatarsal is pushing outmedially in compression the footwear is pulling in laterally in tensiondue to elastic deformation of the footwear material. The opposability,compression and tension relationship occurs across the foot and thefootwear provides shock absorption, bracing and support to the bipedalhuman foot. There are great advantages to walking forward on two legs,but downward pressure and directional force on the foot from the lockedknee is greater in the human foot than in the ape's foot without alocking knee. Also, evolutionary necessities for bipedal walking of aninward angle to the femur after foot-strike, an outward swing of thefoot and a transverse action across the foot to proceed forward seems tomake human bipedalism both more precarious and dependent on the threearches between the three angles at transition points at the rearfoot andacross the foot, the triangulation points of human bipedalism utilizeeffectively through the present invention.

It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that otherembodiments, improvements, details, and uses can be made consistent withthe letter and spirit of the foregoing disclosure and within the scopeof this patent, which is limited only by the following claims, construedin accordance with the patent law, including the doctrine ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A footwear article with one or more hard soleportions and constructed for placement one or more of forefoot, archs orhindfoot zones and one or more hard upper portions, including one suchportion adjacent the first metararsal bone of a user's foot, the soleand upper portions being interactively connected and constructed andarranged to respond to downward pressure of a user's foot to managetriangulation of forces cause the one or more upper portions to sustainthe user's foot in the forefoot zone and one or both of arch andhindfoot zones.
 2. The footwear article of claim 1 wherein multipleupper portions are arranged for managing triangulation in response todownward pressure of the foot on the sole in one or more of forefoot,arch and hind foot zones or across two or more of such zones.
 3. Thefootwear article of claim 2 wherein multiple upper portions are arrangedin forefoot zones to manage triangulation without use of upper portionsat the hind foot zone to manage such triangulation.
 4. The footweararticle of claim 1 wherein the one or more upper portions are providedas tabs including at the medial first metatarsal and at one or moreother portions of the foot.
 5. The footwear article of claim 1 as anintegral part or parts of a shoe, boot, sneaker, sandal or like footcovering.
 6. The footwear article of claim 1 as an insert for a shoe,boot, sneaker, sandal or like foot covering.
 7. A footwear articlecomprising a sole and upper constructed and arranged such that downwardpressure of a wearer's foot in forefoot motion causes reaction forcevectors in the sole and upper to converge to enable overall shifting offorce in the footwear as the transfer of weight to the wearer's rearfoot begins, and rolls to shift momentum forward, the footwear beingconstructed and arranged such that downward pressure of the foot andlateral to medial directional force on the foot in motion put a verticalupper portion of the footwear in tension to maintain a foot portion inposition and sustain the foot.
 8. The footwear article of claim 7wherein a sole and multiple upper portions are provided including at themedial first metatarsal and/or more other portions of the foot.
 9. Thefootwear article of claim 7 with multiple upper portions are arrangedfor managing triangulation in response to downward pressure of the footon the sole in one or more of forefoot, arch and hind foot zones oracross two or more of such zones.
 10. The footwear article of claim 7 asan integral part or parts of a shoe, boot, sneaker, sandal or like footcovering.
 11. The footwear article of claim 7 as an insert for a shoe,hoot, sneaker, sandal or like foot covering.
 12. The footwear article ofclaim 7 comprising: means forming a layer of bowed sole material todefine a spanning convex region within a sole portion, means forming aconcave striker plate below the said spanning layer with side runners onboth medial and lateral sides engaging edges of the spanning layer,whereby downward pressure on the spanning layer by a user's foot bucklesit downwardly into the convex region and imparts force to the siderunners to spread the impact force and produce a reactive response forcesustaining the foot.
 13. The footwear article of claim 12 where thespanning layer and strike plate are in a hind foot region andconstructed and arranged to interact with a counter element.
 14. Thefootwear article of claim 13 comprising a counter element interactivelyengaged with the striker plate's runners.
 15. The footwear article ofclaim 12 whereby spanning layer and strike plate are in a forefootregion.
 16. The footwear article of claim 12 wherein combinations ofspanning layer and strike plate are in both hindfoot and forefootregions.
 17. The footwear article of claim 12 wherein a spanning solelayer in a hindfoot region imparts force to a sole portion and upperportion in the forefoot region.
 18. The footwear article of claim 12wherein the sole portion is in multiple sole portions integrally formedwith each other.
 19. The footwear article of claim 12 wherein the soleportion is in multiple sole portions integrally formed with each otheroperatively interconnected with each other.
 20. The footwear article ofclaim 19 wherein the interconnected parts can be adjusted increasing ordecreasing combined length.
 21. A footwear article for sustaining a footin motion comprising a sole portion and multiple upper elasticallydeformable portion tab portions integral to the sole portion and locatedadjacent the first medial metatarsal bone and fifth lateral metatarsalto a user's foot and one or two tabs in the rearfoot region of a user'sfoot.